Sabtang gets Satellite TV access, Itbayat - an internet access
by Philippine Information Agency - Batanes

SABTANG: Three projects were finally turned over to LGU Sabtang on September 16, 2003 by Cong. Florencio B. Abad. These projects -- water pump and vehicle in Nakanmuan -- are lifeline facilities that have been long sought to address water and mobility problems. The vehicle will ease transportation for constituents, officials and guests to far flung Nakanmuan and extended to Sumnanga. Satellite TV was also turned over. The information facility updates the people of all levels and all ages with educational and entertaining information through the media.

Soon to materialize is the farm-to-market road to Duvek Bay, one of the tourist destinations in the province.

Projected too to materialize is municipal airstrip as soon as at least 600-800 meter-long is found feasible. the probable site is proximate to the coastal area thus a retaining wall to protect the main wall from along the coast may be imperative. Farmlands that are not too agriculturally productive are feasible to be converted to airstrip. That would entail a real feasibility study.

Pres. Arroyo supports development projects that bring constituents closer to the center of progress, primarily through mobility and information facilities. DOTC will be sought for funding.

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ITBAYAT:

• The newly inaugurated INTERNET CAFE on September 17, 2003 is now open for public use. The internet station widens info input of researchers and newsreaders. The isolation of Itbayat yesterday is broken today by transportation and information facilities.
  
  NGOs according to Cong. Abad are partners of the government in developing the province. A donation of $25,000.00 from a certain Jean Robins (former US Peace Corp to Batanes) materialized the purchase of computers now availed by Itbayat National Agricultural High School. A computer laboratory at the Itbayat Central School is underway while Mayan Gabaldon Computer Laboratory has been completed.
  
  
• Update: Valanga Port in Itbayat is in progress, a new alternative port soon in operation.
  

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BASCO: Three old structures at Naidi Hills shall be repaired as one of the eco-tourism projects in Batanes. The buildings that stood for over 50 years now have hurdled yearly typhoons. Thus the effort of preserving them into modern functional structures will add to tourist spots in Basco. DOTC has approved the repair of the 3 old houses. One will be converted into a restaurant, another will become a museum and arts and crafts center and the third house will be a living quarters. Its proximity to the newly erected lighthouse and Ivatan house at Naidi Hills will facilitate tourists, researchers and anyone with more tourist spots in one route.

What would one look for once up there is a brief history of the place.