Batanes is the smallest province of the Philippines, located about 860 kilometers north of the center of government in Manila, and about 280 kilometers from Aparri, Cagayan.

Strategically, Batanes is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the China Sea to the West and the Bashi and Balintang Channels to the north and south, respectively. With the Japan current on the Pacific Ocean side which carries with it rich natural food for pelagic fishes, the surrounding 4,500 square kilometers of terrritorial waters is also a rich fishing ground that extends 260 kilometers to the Pacific Ocean, 160 kilometers to the South China Sea and 112 kilometers to the north in the Bashi Channel.

»Agriculture

The vast 4,500 square kilometers of territorial water teem with various pelagic fishes and other marine products. Flying fish, gar fish and dimersal species abundant. Dorado, sailfish and marlins offer opportunity for game fishing. Other marine resources as mollusks, univalves and sea urchins abound but have not been sufficiently studied for commercial values.

»Water Resources

Springs of varying yields have been tapped as sources of domestic water supply. The biggest spring lies about 500 meters above sea level of the northern side of Mt. Iraya, a dormant volcano in Batan Island.

»Mineral Resources

Non-metallic minerals like limestone, gravel, black sand, white sand and raw materials for white stone exist. Clay deposits are found in all major islands, where more than six million cubic meters is estimated in Batan Island. White deposits of copper, manganese, lead and sulfur have been identified, no data on their respective volumes of reserve are available.

»Eco- Culture

Batanes is a haven of lush greens, clear and clean waters, verdan rolling hills and a unique culture, proclamation as a Protected Area and its nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List guarantee balanced, promising and sustainable eco-tour industry.