BATANES AMONG WORLD HERITAGE LIST
(By PIA-Batanes)

There are 45 countries with traditional structures under the World Heritage List and Batanes was eyed by this international institution among the three provinces of the Philippines: Vigan, Ifugao, Batanes. Incidentally our application is still pending.

Congressman Abad said our traditional structures are similar to that of Ireland using the cogon, lime and stones. Their walls "atoy" fencing yard is similar how we in Itbayat do a meter-wide "atoy" of stones stacked after another. No cement or lime needed and this is common in pasturelands.

Abad cited the ECO-TOURISM is the leading source of income in Spain, Greece and Ireland. The most expensive houses in the three countries are that of the original. Modern houses are cheaper. China, Japan and Turkey are also places with traditional structures.

Batanes can identify original structures in the southern towns. We can still promote Batanes as a heritage zone so we must regulate modern constructions. It is our unique architecture and culture that keep tourists coming in. If these structures are modernized, our attractions are phased out.

World Heritage Institutions are targeting places that are peopled by its aborigines or natives.

While earth victims will be torn between rebuilding their houses according to traditional structures and to rebuild a modern that would combat future natural calamities; whether to preserve the original Ivatan structure, that remains question at the moment. Abad said that we can't really discredit Ivatan housing technology.

There shall be an International Conference in Batanes to orient the people of its objectives, benefits, assistance, adjustments etc. There is really a need to re-introduce its use of cogon, lime and other native materials to preserve the original structure but in a manner to make it sustainable. The idea would not be sold unless there is adequate sales talk and tangible assurance of sustainability. A typhoon and earthquake proof structure predominates in the Ivatans after July 16, earthquake. At any rate, international conferences could move nations, can move mountains. Watch out for the pros and cons.

It would interest Ivatans to know whether or not; typhoons hit Turkey, Ireland, Spain, Greece and Mexico.


(Photo: Typical Ivatan house in Batanes, taken in Ivana, Batanes "The House of Dakay".) photo by BatanesOnline.com