MODERN IVATAN HOUSE TO RISE IN BATANES, BLENDING HERITAGE WITH RESILIENCE

A modern version of the traditional Ivatan house is set to be completed early next year, following the groundbreaking of a pilot project on October 23, 2024, at Sitio Mutchong, Brgy. Kayvaluganan in Uyugan, Batanes.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the project titled "Assessment, Development, and Preservation for Typhoon and Earthquake-Resilient Ivatan Houses" aims to protect the unique Ivatan architectural heritage from future natural disasters while preserving its cultural value. As OIC President Arthur G. Ibañez noted in a recent seminar at Soka University in Japan, “By integrating modern engineering into the foundation, stone walls, and roof frames, we can enhance these houses’ resilience without losing their historical essence.”

The new C-01 design features 360mm thick masonry walls and double wall cladding, maintaining the Ivatan style while incorporating modern reinforcements. The structure will also serve as a monitoring station for typhoon and earthquake resilience, offering valuable data for future projects.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Uyugan Mayor Jonathan Enrique Nanud, Architect Jeferson Abiva of the Ivatan Houses Project, and Batanes State College President Djovi Durante, with blessings from Reverend Father Andres Algerico P. Gonzales.

Support for the project also comes from Cagayan State University, Batanes State College, and local government and community partners, all dedicated to preserving and strengthening Ivatan heritage in the face of an unpredictable climate.