In the latter part of 16th century, an era where Spaniards came to the country, they have introduced Catholicism to the natives, established parishes and built churches.

One of the churches they built is the St. John the Baptist Church also known as the “Bato Church” in the town of Bato, Province of Catanduanes. It is sited in the town proper of Bato. Beside the highway parallel to the extensive Bato River.

The church is built with mortar and coral limestones designed to withstand the strong storms that batters the island yearly. It is a heritage that the current day Catanduanes values until today.

At the moment, the St. John the Baptist Church of Bato is the oldest church in the province that has stood the test of time and frequent violent typhoons, earthquakes and other natural calamities.

Drop by on the bato bridge and experience the scenic view.