BACOLOD City – An exhibit dedicated to the Ati community is ongoing in Bago City, Negros Occidental.
On Thursday, April 3, Vice Mayor Ramon Torres and Senior Tourism Operations Officer Mae Ann Furtos led the opening of “The Ati Community of Bago City Exhibit” at the Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum in a bid to preserve and revitalize the culture of the indigenous people (IP) in the city.
The week-long exhibit spearheaded by the City Tourism Office (CTO) offers visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Ati tribe, especially those living in the city’s Barangay Taloc.
The showcase includes traditional tools and garments used by the tribe, alongside contemporary products crafted by their members.
Torres, in his message, emphasized the local government’s commitment to providing meaningful spaces and support for the IP community.
This demonstrates the city’s dedication to honoring, preserving, and promoting the valuable cultural heritage of its indigenous residents.
For his part, Bago City Ati Tribe chieftain Mario Segovia expressed his gratitude that despite the nomadic nature of their tribe, they have found a home in the city because of how the local government has taken care of them.
Members of the tribe also showcased their traditional courtship dance called “Kuratsa” during the opening ceremony which was graced by National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) – Negros Occidental OIC Milina Jeruta and staff.
Last year, the Bago City also hosted the two-day Visayas leg of the IP Games which was spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission./PN
