Ati village as alternative tourist attraction in Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The well-known Boracay Island is home to beautiful beaches and wide variety of sports activities.  In many instances, international travelers want to explore the unique culture and traditional way of life of indigenous people.

To develop the cultural immersion experience of tourists, the Department of Tourism (DoT)-Boracay supports the plan to make the Ati village as a potential tourist attraction in Boracay Island.

The village located in 2.1 hectares in Barangay Manoc-Manoc is inhabited by some 200 Ati members. It was awarded to them by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

The Ati village or  Boracay Ati Community Development Complex has 30 houses, livelihood center, ritual area, heritage house, tribal hall and training center, school, clinic and chapel. 

DoT Boracay officer-in-charge Artemio Ticar said the influx of tourists in the indigenous community will be regulated.

In fact, DoT-Boracay and NCIP had talked of the guidelines to protect the Boracay Ati members from discrimination and abuse and further threatens their well-being and livelihood. 

“There will be do’s and don’ts in the Ati community especially among tourists and visitors, that will not alter and disrupt the life in the community,” he said.

According to the World Tourism Organization, the demand for ecotourism, nature, cultural, soft adventure and rural community tourism, is growing steadily. 

As a potential tourist attraction, the Ati community in Boracay Island and its tourism development will have social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts.

Ati members in the indigenous community will have the opportunity to showcase their habitat, heritage, history, arts and crafts. It will also improve their ability to talk about their culture and traditional practices.

The intercultural contact in the Ati village also provides advantages and benefits in terms of employment opportunities and increases the feelings of pride among indigenous people of their culture and history.