Basco, Batanes

The Batanes archipelago stands as the northernmost province within the Philippines and holds the distinction of being the country's least populated region. Interestingly, it is situated even closer to Taiwan than to the northern tip of Luzon, the Philippines' largest island.

Among the ten volcanic islands constituting the province, only three are inhabited: Batan (housing the provincial capital, Vasay or Basco), Sabtang, and Itbayat. Ivuhos, the fourth island located approximately a kilometer and a half east of Sabtang, is home to a few families engaged in cattle farming. The remaining islands—Yami, North, Mavudis, Siayan, Di-nem, and Dequey—are uninhabited. Despite its modest size, with a total land area of 230 square kilometers, making it the smallest province in the country, Batanes showcases a diverse climate classified as Type A, characterized by a delightful semi-temperate climate.

The Ivatan people of Batanes recognize two seasons: rayun (or summer) spanning from March to May, and amian (or winter) occurring between November and February. Kachachimuyen represents the rainy months throughout the rest of the year, with a brief period of warm weather (or dekey a rayun) observed in the two weeks between September and October.

Before the Spanish colonization, Ivatan dwellings consisted of small, low cogon houses strategically positioned for maximum protection against strong winds. The Spaniards introduced large-scale lime production, enabling the construction of the renowned "traditional" Ivatan stone houses with remarkably thick cogon roofs capable of withstanding the fiercest typhoons.

Small islands typically have constrained carrying capacities, and the seas are hospitable for only a few months, mainly March, April, and May each year. Fishing for Dibang (or flying fish) and arayu (or dolphinfish) becomes a focal point during the fishing season.