Itbayat: Dokumentaryo ni Jay Taruc

I-Witness 13th Anniversary Series ITBAYAT Dokumentaryo ni Jay Taruc Airing date: November 12, 2012

 

For most of us, Filipinos, setting foot on the islands of Batanes is one goal in our bucket list. We long to see its magnificence and uniqueness. It is a paradise unlike any place in the Philippines. In fact, being in Batanes is like being in a different country. The stone houses, the sloping but smooth terrain, the rugged sea that surrounds the islands, and not to forget, the friendly faces, and the richness of the Ivatan's culture and heritage.

 

It is simply a paradise.

 

But for the majority of the indigenous young people of Batanes, nature's grandiosity is not enough to sustain one's existence. Year after year, they are leaving their homeland en masse to continue their education or find better opportunities elsewhere. 

 

Because Batanes, albeit a haven for the nature and peace lovers, cannot offer more than its fair share of natural resources. It is now up to the local government units to do something about this regular migration of the youth.

 

Because of its geographical location, those who left have not yet returned. The Ivatans have carved a niche for themselves in the different parts of the world, but still, nothing can compare to their glorious Batanes.

 

But if they want to leave paradise, who can blame them?

 

This Monday, catch the second episode of the 13th Anniversary Series of I-Witness, "ITBAYAT"  after Saksi.