Chinese envoy, consul visit Batanes as Tao seafarers from Taiwan arrive

ITBAYAT, Batanes — Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and Consul and Head of Post Li Xiaoyan of the Chinese Consulate in Laoag arrived in Batanes on Tuesday for an official visit, coinciding with the arrival of Tao seafarers from Lanyu (Orchid Island), Taiwan, who completed a traditional voyage across the Bashi Channel.

Batanes Governor Ronald Aguto welcomed the Chinese officials upon their arrival. The two diplomats later paid a courtesy call on the governor at the provincial capitol in Basco.

The visit came on the same day that the Tao people’s traditional boat, the Ovaya or “Golden Friendship,” reached Mahatao Port after sailing from Lanyu, located about 90 kilometers southeast of Taiwan.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Austronesian boat sets sail on epic voyage from Taiwan to Philippines

FEATURED STORIES

GLOBALNATION

GLOBALNATION

GLOBALNATION

The Tao delegation, including those aboard the indigenous boat as well as members of its escort and medical vessels, underwent Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) procedures upon arrival. Personnel from the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies were on hand to process the visitors.

Sources from the Batanes Provincial Tourism Office said the Tao visitors are scheduled to fly to Manila via Philippine Airlines before returning to Batanes on June 24 to participate in the province’s Batanes Day celebrations on June 26.

Following their arrival, the Tao delegation showcased traditional seafaring practices and cultural performances at the Mahatao grounds. A welcome dinner hosted by local officials and residents followed later in the evening.

READ: Tao boat from Taiwan reaches Batanes, revives ancient sea route

The voyage seeks to revive centuries-old maritime links between the Tao people of Lanyu and the Ivatan people of Batanes, who share cultural, linguistic, and ancestral ties across the Bashi Channel. /dl

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.