DTI R2 Batanes joined the whole of Batanes in celebrating the Pahuyuan Festival, commemorating the 239th Foundation Day of the province on 26 June 2022. Pahuyuan is the Ivatan term for Bayanihan. The different activities kicked off with the celebration of the Thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Basco, followed by a cultural parade through the capital town.

This year’s theme, “MITWAS: The Story of Batanes’ Recovery,” aptly captures the Ivatan people’s resiliency and whole community efforts in overcoming the challenges during the last two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The cultural parade was participated in by different offices, LGUs, NGAs, associations, and private sector groups. The week-long celebration commenced with the opening of the 2022 Agro-Industrial Trade Fair on 20 June 2022, an activity that perfectly represents this year’s theme of recovery as it helps MSMEs and LGUs from the agriculture, creative, and food sectors—sectors that are dependent on the province’s tourism activities—recover from the economic recession brought about by the pandemic.

The trade fair aims to help these sectors promote and market their products to the public. These products include abundant farm produce, exquisite art paintings, proudly Ivatan-made souvenirs, plants, and mouthwatering dishes.

An acoustic band also plays every night to keep the audience entertained. MSMEs who joined the trade fair extended their gratitude to the Trade Fair Working Committee chaired by DTI R2 Batanes and the Provincial Agriculture Office representing the PGB for conducting an event that gave the participating MSMEs an opportunity to have a sales breakthrough. They said that they are excited to be part of the next trade fair. 

On the other hand, the buying public were delighted that the province of Batanes has finally decided to hold such an event. Families, friends, colleagues, and the whole Ivatan community enjoyed the week-long trade fair where they could spend time together, accompanied by their favorite comfort foods and a lively environment. 

In recognizing this year’s Batanes Foundation Day, the people of Batanes truly embodied the #ExploreSimplicity through different activities lined up by the PGB, such as Novena Masses, Passport Processing, DepEd Sports Competition, Mister and Miss DepEd, Kanan nu Kumavahayan, Honoring Aman’Dangat and Vincente Barsana, and Cultural Dance Presentation. The event wrapped up with a beautiful fireworks display.

Date of Release: 4 July 2022