Ati to celebrate 2nd cultural festival tomorrow
ROXAS CITY – The Ati communities in Dumarao, Capiz will celebrate their 2ndcultural festival tomorrow, May 21, at Mt. Tag-ao, Tamulalod in Dumarao town.
Ati is a Hiligaynon term for an indigenous people (IP) group in Panay Island.
The day-long festival dubbed “Hirinugyaw Ke Meme Ati” is organized by Tag-ao Minorities Association (TAMIAS) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with the Capiz provincial government as part of the National Heritage Month celebration this May.
“The festival is aimed at preserving the Ati’s rich cultural heritage, deepening the appreciation and love of the members of the Ati community of their own culture, and raising the consciousness of Capiznons of the role of culture in development,” said Capiz Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro.
Project coordinator Marina Casten said that “indigenous music and dances, traditional games, and native delicacies will be showcased during the festival.”
“Our indigenous rituals, the materials that we are using for healing and our native arts and crafts will also be featured,” she added.
The various ati communities in barangays Tamulalod, Buay-boay, Aglalana, Janguslob and Agbariri in Dumarao will participate in the joyful expression of the IP community.
The festival is in line with the provincial government’s program on the empowerment of IPs as it recognizes the important role of culture in sustainable development.
The province was cited as a “Culture Friendly LGU” in the country and Gov. Victor A. Tanco as “Culture Friendly LGU Official last March. (PIA/PTO/)