Itbayat, Batanes
| Itbayat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Municipality | ||
| ||
 Map of Batanes showing the location of Itbayat | ||
.svg.png)  Itbayat Location within the Philippines | ||
| Coordinates: 20°46′N 121°51′E / 20.767°N 121.850°ECoordinates: 20°46′N 121°51′E / 20.767°N 121.850°E | ||
| Country | Philippines | |
| Region | Cagayan Valley (Region II) | |
| Province | Batanes | |
| District | Lone District | |
| Founded | 1935 | |
| Barangays | 6 | |
| Government[1] | ||
| • Mayor | Reuel C. Ibanes | |
| Area[2] | ||
| • Total | 83.13 km2 (32.10 sq mi) | |
| Highest elevation Mount Riposet | 300 m (900 ft) | |
| Population (2010)[3] | ||
| • Total | 2,988 | |
| • Density | 36/km2 (93/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+8) | |
| ZIP code | 3905 | |
| Dialing code | 78 | |
| Income class | 5th class | |
Itbayat is a 5th class municipality in the province of Batanes, Philippines and is also an island, the largest in Batanes. Itbayat is the northernmost municipality of the country, located only about 200 kilometers (120 mi) from the southernmost tip of Taiwan. According to the 2010 census, the municipality has a population of 2,988[3] in an area of 83.13 square kilometres (32.10 sq mi).[2]
In addition to the main island, the municipality also includes the rest of the northern islands of the province, all of which are quite small and mostly uninhabited. These islands are, from south to north: Diogo, Siayan, Maysanga, Mabudis, North, and Mavulis (also known as Y'ami), the northernmost island of the Philippine archipelago.
History
While the church and civil government were already established in Batan Island in 1783, it was only in 1855 that civil authority was officially established and the mission canonically founded in Itbayat. A mere settlement during the Spanish colonial period, it became a municipal district when the Americans organized the province in 1909. However, in 1935, it became a municipality.
Barangays
Itbayat is politically subdivided into 5 barangays.[2]
- San Jose (Raele)
- San Rafael (Idiang)
- Santa Lucia (Kauhauhasan)
- Santa Maria (Marapuy)
- Santa Rosa (Kaynatuan)
Demographics
| Population census of Itbayat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1990 | 3,448 | — |
| 1995 | 3,129 | −1.80% |
| 2000 | 3,616 | +3.15% |
| 2007 | 3,069 | −2.24% |
| 2010 | 2,988 | −0.97% |
| Source: National Statistics Office[3] | ||
Places of interest
- Siayan Island: Siayan Island is the nearest island to the north of Itbayat. The island has beautiful beaches accessible by a one-hour ride by motorboat from Itbayat (depending on sea condition).
- Di'nem Island: Also known as Diogo Island is the volcanic island located east of Itbayat. The island features boulder beaches with towering cliffs good for mountain climbing.
- Rapang Cliff: A natural park with a ringing mushroom-like rock, believed to have been used by the ancient settlers to call a meeting.
- Mount Riposet: One of the two volcanoes that have been the foundation of Itbayat Island. This extinct volcano, located in the south-eastern part of Itbayat, has an elevation of 900 feet (270 m) giving a panoramic view of the island.[4]
- Mount Karaboboan (Mount Santa Rosa): The other extinct volcano of Itbayat Island is located in the northern half of the island.[4] Near the 800-foot (240 m) mountain is a settlement of the early settlers of Itbayat near Barangay Santa Rosa.
- Torongan Cave: The most ancient dwelling place and on top is a burial ground, and believed to be the first landing place of the Austronesians from Taiwan around 2000 BC.
- Nahini Votox: With its own Ijang and boat-shaped burial grounds. It is also an ancient settlement where plenty of broken clay pots have been found. Its Ijang has a spectacular view of Dinem and the eastern coast of Itbayat Island.
- Underground Stream in Kumayasakas: The stream flows down the sea, north-west of Itbayat.
- Itbayat Caves: These caves have a majestic feature of stalagmites and stalactites. The caves have been given the names Northern Sarokan, Eastern Sarokan, Do'tboran Cave, and Pevangan Cave.
- Agosan Rock: A rock formation north of Itbayat. It is a breeding site for endangered birds.
- Vernacular houses: A typical vernacular house is composed of three structures:
- the kitchen where they use kugon to cook;
- the actual house where people stay;
- the bathroom.
- Port Mauyen: An alternative port south of Itbayat with a 14-turn zigzag road. It is located 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) south of the town.
- Groto: 155 steps up
Transportation
The way to reach Itbayat by a direct route from Manila is by plane via Itbayat Airport. There is a commercial carrier that service flights to Itbayat from Basco, the capital of Batanes:
- SkyPasada
- NorthSky Air
Sea transport companies that service Itbayat are:
- M/B Ocean Spirit
- M/B Itranza
- M/B Veronica
References
- ↑ "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 11 September 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Province: BATANES". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
- 1 2 United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (1919). "United States Coast Pilot - Philippine Islands", pg. 38. Government Printing Office, Washington.
External links
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 Hengchun, Pingtung CountyBashi Channel (Luzon Strait) |
Lanyu Township, Taitung County Bashi Channel (Luzon Strait) |
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| South China Sea |  |
Philippine Sea | ||
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| Sabtang | Basco |
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