Things You Must Know

• Batanes is the only province in the Philippines declared in its entirety as a Protected Landscape and Seascape area by the following:

Ø  RA 7586, NIPAS Act of 1992

Ø  Presidential Proclamation No. 335 Series of 1994 

Ø  RA 8991 in 2000 

• The Ivatans are indigenous peoples governed and protected by the IPRA Law of 1997

• In 2010, Batanes was declared by DA and DOH as a Rabies Free Zone and was awarded by the National Nutrition Council in 2012.  A seal of Good Housekeeping was also awarded to the province by DILG in 2011.

• Religion: Approximately 97% of the Ivatans are Roman Catholics and they appreciate visitors observing conservative dress code whenever they enter their churches.

• Weather: Even during summer, weather in Batanes is relatively cooler than the rest of the Philippines.  The coolest months are from December to March where temperatures fall below 10 degrees,  Dry months are from late March to June.

• Landbank and PNB ATMs are available in Basco.  You may opt not to bring your credit cards with you as you are expected to pay in cash all the time.  You may convert your US dollars into Peso at the Philippine National Bank in Basco.

• There are no specific greetings for any specific time of the day.  Older men and women are your “Uncles” and “Aunts” in Batanes.  It is an accepted way to say hello.  “Kapian ka pa nu Dios” is also used as greeting any time of the day.