Batanes marks 230th founding anniversary

BASCO, Batanes, Philippines – The province is celebrating its 230th founding anniversary today with several cultural and economic activities that aim to showcase its history.

The festivities start with a Eucharistic celebration at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral this morning and a two-hour cultural parade to be participated in by all six towns around this capital town.

The celebration was preceded last June 17 by a nine-day, 28-kilometer, daily foot procession where locals carried images of their respective town’s patron saint.

Before noon, several Ivatans who have contributed to what the province is today will be given plaques of recognition. The awarding rites will follow the speeches of Rep. Henedina Abad and Gov. Vicente Gato. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. is the guest speaker.