Ivaat

Ivaat is a term that can refer to several distinct entities. In the context of Filipino culture and history, Ivaat is a name associated with the Ivat people and their language. The Ivat people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Batanes Islands in the northernmost part of the Philippines. Their language, also known as Ivat, is part of the Ivatanic languages, which are closely related to other languages spoken in the Babuyan Islands and Taiwan. The Ivat people have a rich cultural heritage, characterized by their traditional stone houses, unique weaving techniques, and distinct customs and traditions shaped by their island environment and history.

Beyond its ethnic and linguistic connotations, "ivat" can also appear as a component in place names or personal names, though these usages are less prominent than its association with the Ivat people. It is important to distinguish between the various contexts in which the term "ivat" might be encountered to ensure accurate understanding. The most widely recognized meaning of Ivaat pertains to the indigenous inhabitants and their linguistic and cultural identity in the Batanes Islands.