In a bid to preserve and revitalize the culture of indigenous peoples (IPs) residing in Bago City, Vice Mayor Ramon Torres and senior tourism operations officer Mae Ann Furtos led the opening of “The Ati Community of Bago City” exhibit at Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum April 3.
The weeklong exhibit 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 emphasized the local government’s commitment to providing meaningful spaces and support for the IP community, the city said in a press release.
This demonstrates the city’s dedication to honoring, preserving, and promoting the valuable cultural heritage of its indigenous residents.
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, meanwhile, showcased their traditional courtship dance called “Kuratsa”.
The event, organized by the City Tourism Affairs Office, was graced by National Commission on Indigenous People Negros Occidental OIC Milina Jeruta and staff, Bago City College president and administrator Deborah Natalia Singson, City Population and Development Office head Anne Marie Torres, students, cultural development advocates, and City Tourism Affairs Office staff, among others. ||
