John Christopher Galat Castaño was born in Basco, Batanes and lives in Ivana, Batanes.

Description and symbolism:

The lilies symbolise the Armiger’s family devotion to Saint Joseph. Lilies also commonly bloom on the fields of Batanes province, and are thus especially meaningful to the Ivatan.

The crown of thorns represents the Armiger’s devotion to Saint Rita, who received the stigmata on her forehead from the crown of thorns of Jesus. The crown also alludes to the suffering of Jesus Christ and thus serves as a reminder to the Armiger of the importance of sacrifice for the common good.

Blue is commonly associated with devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and recalls the vast ocean waters surrounding the Armiger’s home province. To the Armiger, white symbolises purity as a core value.

The motto is an inspirational reminder to the Armiger that all things are possible with God, and recalls Saint Rita, the patron saint of impossible cases.

Blazon: Shield: Per fess Azure and Argent, in chief four lilies Argent slipped Or, in base a crown of thorns Tenné.

Motto: Apud Deum omnia possibilia sunt (“With God all things are possible”)

Assumed/granting authority: Assumed, April 13, 2023. Registered, Philippine Armorial, July 24, 2023.

Image and information submitted by the Armiger.