The provincial government of Batanes has allowed the Prelature of Batanes to hold public masses again.
Batanes Bishop Danilo Ulep said the public masses were allowed after the province was placed under the more relaxed Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
He said the prelature will observe strict safety protocols to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the province.
Ulep said the resumption of public masses in the Prelature of Batanes was "effective at 5 p.m., June 25." "I am now allowing the resumption of public masses here in the Prelature of Batanes. May I remind everyone however to continue to observe all health and safety protocols like wearing of face masks and physical distancing,” the prelate said.
The provincial Government of Batanes, however, said the holding of mass gatherings like parades, fiesta, government and cultural activities will still be subject to the approval of the local government.
The provincial government has begun its vaccination roll-out program in Batanes where the local government targets to vaccinate around 14,000 individuals to obtain herd immunity from the coronavirus.