There are no words to describe Batanes and its beauty. More than the breathtaking scenery, I was even more impressed and amazed by its people, the Ivatans. They have shown me how easy it is to find joy in life: the simpler, the better.
Ivatans value Honesty and Integrity more than the material stuff. They value education. They value hard work and perseverance. Did you know that there are no out-of-school youth in Batanes? I commend the local government and the teachers in Batanes. There are no beggars and no street children. Everyone gets to eat and live in a comfortable way. They live an honorable life.
As of the moment, there are only a few places in Batanes that have an internet connection, and I hope it remains this way to preserve what they have. I believe in the power of social media and its ability to influence people and at times, its tendency to make people crave for more “wants” in life. For now, let us treasure the peace and serenity of Batanes – because with the contentment of a simple life, they have found the joy of life.
