Basco Lighthouse

Basco Lighthouse
Location Basco, Batanes province
Coordinates 20°27′5.27″N 121°57′51.78″E / 20.4514639°N 121.9643833°E / 20.4514639; 121.9643833Coordinates: 20°27′5.27″N 121°57′51.78″E / 20.4514639°N 121.9643833°E / 20.4514639; 121.9643833
Year first lit 2003
Foundation Rubble Masonry
Construction Reinforced concrete
Tower shape Conical
Markings / pattern White with red lantern; dwelling is rubble masonry with a red roof
Height 66 ft
Focal height n/a
Original lens n/a
Range 10 miles
Characteristic Flashing Red every 4 secs[1]
Admiralty number F2822.5[2]
NGA number 13990[2]

Basco Lighthouse is a lighthouse in the town of Basco in Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. Located in Naidi Hills in Barangay San Antonio, the lush green hills and the open sea provide a beautiful backdrop for the lighthouse. The place can easily be reached by a 1.2-km (3/4 mile) hike from the Port of Basco.

History

Basco Lighthouse is one of the three lighthouses proposed by former Congressman Florencio Abad of Batanes, not only as working lighthouses, but possibly as tourist attractions.[3] The other two are in Sabtang and Mahatao. The Basco structure was the first completed in 2003.

The location chosen is where the first lighthouse of Basco was built. It was also the site of the American period telegraph facilities that connected Batanes with the central government until it was destroyed by the Japanese Imperial Army bombings at the start of World War II.[4] A few of the buildings survived and some have been converted into businesses like a café - resulting from the area becoming popular because of the lighthouse.[5]

Architecture

The structure is a 6-story building with a gallery or viewing deck on the fifth floor. Located next to the 66 feet (20 m) tower is a dwelling of vernacular architecture. Traditional Ivatan houses are made with stone or rubble masonry.

The viewing deck is a perfect location to view the whole of Batan Island (the main island where Basco is located) from end to end, including Mount Iraya.[6] One can also have a clear view of Sabtang Island in the south of Basco and Itbayat Island to the north.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Light Stations of Northern Luzon". Philippine Coast Guard. Retrieved on 2010-06-29.
  2. 1 2 National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, "Pub.112 List of Lights, 2009" p.179. U.S. Government Printing Office, 2009.
  3. ↑ Alconis, Necitas G. "Lighthouse in Naidi Hills nearing completion". Batanes Online. Retrieved on 2010-06-29.
  4. ↑ "Places to See". Official Website of the Provincial Government of Batanes. Retrieved on 2010-06-29
  5. ↑ Claire Algarme (2010-04-28). "First Time in Batan Island, Batanes". First-Time Travels. Retrieved on 2010-06-30.
  6. ↑ "Naidi Lighthouse, Basco, Batanes. Pasyalera. Retrieved on 2010-06-29.
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