BATANES LAUNCHES PASSENGER SHIP
by Lito Conde
Basco, Batanes, August 9, 2002

Batanes, one of the most remote provinces in the Philippines, became more accessible with the blessing and launching of the M/V Ivatan Princess this morning. Owned and operated by the Batanes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc., (BMPCI) the 150-passenger vessel will ply the Curimao-Calayan-Basco-Itbayat route twice a week.

According to BMPCI chair Quirino Gabotero, Jr., the M/V Ivatan Princess will help improve the socio-economic development of Batanes. It will also give tourists and local residents a cheaper alternative to air travel with a one-way ticket costing P1,000.00.

At the launching ceremonies at the Port of Basco, local officials led by Congressman Florencio B.Abad and Governor Vicente S.Gato welcomed the greater accessibility the ship would give to Batanes. However, Basco Mayor Manuel G.Viola raised concerns that the greater accessibility for people could also bring less desirable imports like drugs and criminal elements, which will destroy Batanes' reputation as a peaceful and crime-free province.

On its inaugural run to Itbayat, the vessel will bring Ireneo Hornedo, a 94 year-old man who came all the way from Chavayan, Sabtang to take his first trip to the northernmost municipality of the Philippines.