Batanes is the northernmost and smallest province in the Philippines, in terms of area and population. Nestled north of the Babuyan Sea 660 kms. from Manila, it is also one of the remotest group of islands of the country. The island is named after "vatan", an indigenous word whose meaning has been lost in time. However, the native Ivatans still inhabit the island, making up 96% of the province's population.

Batanes has a hilly and mountainous terrain, with only a tenth of its land is even. The notion that Batanes is always battered by storms is a bit erroneous. Due to its location, the northernmost weather station is located in Basco, making it a reference point for all incoming or outgoing typhoon. In reality, the weather in Batanes is quite pleasant. It  is blessed with cooler and balmier climate compared with the rest of the country and virtually has four seasons. However, the best time to visit Batanes is from March to June.

Batanes is blessed with rich natural resources and a colorful history. Each part of the island is postcard-perfect, capturing the bucolic lifestyle of the Ivatan people. Towering over the island of Batan is Mt. Iraya, the tallest mountain in the province. There are numerous caves throughout the province, evidence of its fiery birth several millenia ago. Burial sites such as those in Chuhangin shows the traditional way how Ivatans journey into the afterlife.

The culture of the Ivatans is rich in traditions and customs, such as legends, proverbs, riddles, and tales that are passed on by words of mouth. Ivatans are also fond of music, manifested in a poetic lyrical song called “laji”, which are sung to tell tales.

Undeniably, the islands of Batanes have endured and tamed the winds both of the storms and the course of history.

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Descendants of Austronesians, called Ivatans, were among the first settler of the islands. They established settlements on steep mountainous areas which are called “Idjangs”. Batanes was already a prosperous community, with its people engaging in trade, commerce, seafaring, and boat building.

During the Spanish regime, Dominican missionaries attempted to evangelize the Ivatans and urge them to find resettlements in the nearby Babuyan Islands. In 1783, the islands were turned over to the Spanish crown, yet the Ivatans continued to live on the mountains. The Spanish governor-general then ordered the Ivatans to vacate their settlements in the mountains and live in the lowlands in over to levy taxes on them. Batanes was then subjected to the local government of the province of Cagayan. The Ivatans were ordered to dress like the other Filipinos. This caused discontentment among the natives and sparked an uprising, which ended soon after.

Batanes regained its provincial status in 1855. However, after the Americans have colonized the country, the islands were again annexed to the jurisdiction of the Cagayan Province. In 1909, Batanes has once again become an independent province.

About three quarters of the settlers in the islands are farmers and fishermen. The rest of the people are either engaging in handicrafts, or are employed directly by both the government and other business sectors. Batanes produce significant harvests of root crops, such as sweet potato, cassava, gabi, and yam. Sugarcanes are also planted for palek, a native wine, and vinegar.