202 'Ati' up for eviction in Boracay Island

Ati as we called are peacefully living in Boracay. They became tourist attraction and they are charming people and friendly, too...


Thursday, May 26, 2005
202 'Ati' up for eviction in Boracay Island
By Roberto L. Bacasong
Sun.Star Bacolod

BORACAY ISLAND -- Here in the world's renown tourism destination are found the more than 200 "Ati" indigenous families who continue fighting for their right to live -- insofar as social acceptability and the place to call their "home" are concerned.

Ati families in Sitio Bolabog, Barangay Balabag in this island paradise have been tagged "dirty," blame it to their tradition and their manner of living.

Boracay Island has three barangays, namely, Balabag, Manoc-manoc and Yapak.

Humiliation, said 29-year-old Maria Tambu-on was what her family and members of their community suffer from "people in the island."

Tambu-on has four children, namely, Olimar and Loimar, both 4; Marlo, 2; and Marjon, two months.

Together with husband Oliver, 26, they find shelter in an unfinished old shanty located inside the fenced property owned by Aniceto Yap.

Speaking in the native Malay dialect, the mother said they belong to a very poor class as her husband is just a construction worker, depending on a temporary source of income.

Tambu-on said her primary source of living is by helping run the livelihood store of the Boracay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, of which she is a board member.

She further said her family does not have a permanent place in which to live.

"I used to accept laundry jobs just to help my husband," she said.

The property of Yap houses 42 Ati families that has increased from last year's 187 households.

"We are asking for respect from the people. I know that this is what they call the other side of the paradise," she stressed.

Sister Victoria Ostan of the Daughters of Charity under the Diocese of Aklan said she received the order of demolition against the Ati community.

Ostan said this does not stop them from advancing the improvement of the Ati families, specifically the sending of Ati children to school.

Schooling for the Ati members here are in two categories, namely, formal and non-formal.

In formal education, some Ati children finished secondary education with assistance from the government of Aklan and the help of non-government organizations.

"They (Ati children) should be given formal education. They deserve education because of their low status in life," said Ostan.

Students from the College of Archeology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman are presently conducting their study in tracing the history of the Ati families.

"The UP students are dedicated to trace back the history of the Ati family," said Ostan.

She said the notice of demolition cannot be implemented until such time the study is not yet finished, and until the government give these Ati families permanent resettlement.

"They are the first people in our history. They should be given enough attention because of so much history they gave to the country," said Ostan.

We are all created by God, they should be resettled properly if the demolition will take effect, Ostan added.

Ostan said in Barangay Balabag the face of poverty, hunger and deprivation of mankind can be found while the luxurious hotels, foods, among others were in the Manoc-manoc and Yapak.

Delsa Husto, 42, president of the Ati's cooperative said they are fighting for their rights to live.

Husto, who has six children, said her husband is working as a house help and construction worker.

"The main source of income here is fishing and construction, among others while women used to accept laundry to help their partners," said Delsa.

Delsa who has been called as "nanay" (mother) in the community said she is angry with people who discriminate them and their status.

"We are still human beings; all we need is understanding and respect from our fellows," said Delsa.

"We are very happy that (Sister) Ostan is here to help us fight for our rights."
Ostan said foreign tourists were visiting the community and are occasionally giving assistance in the form of clothing, and cash that ranges from P200, P300, P500 and P1,000.