IDJANG

In 1994, Dr. Eusebio Dizon, the Deputy director of the National Museum of the Philippines, went
to Batanes with his team of experts for an archeological project. They discovered a triangular-shaped hill in
Savidug, the municipality in Sabtang, These rocky formations are called Idjang by the locals. There are a
total of 4 Idjangs that can be found throughout Batanes Island.
An Idjang is a triangular-shaped hilltop citadel or castle on the Batanes Islands in the Philippines,
made from limestone and wood. This famous geological formation, elevated approximately 100 meters
above sea level, is made from molten volcanic magma and once served as a citadel and shelter for the locals
during the war.
Ivatans climbed to idjangs to defend themselves against invaders. The Ivatan people of the
northern islands of Batanes often built fortifications to protect themselves during times of war. They built
their so-called idjangs on hills and elevated areas. These fortifications were likened to European castles
because of their purpose. Usually, the only entrance to the castles would be via a rope ladder that would
only be lowered for the villagers and could be kept away when invaders arrived.

https://www.revolvy.com/page/Idjang
http://www.ironwulf.net/2015/08/24/batanes-savidug-idjang-exploring-the-ancient-dwellings-of-
the-ivatans
https://primer.com.ph/travel/2019/08/01/north-batan-island-batanes-the-center-of-local-livelihood-
and-breathtaking-landscapes/
(photo) https://www.ironwulf.net/2015/08/24/batanes-savidug-idjang-exploring-the-ancient-dwellings-
of-the-ivatans/