Nas Academy reconciles with Apo Whang-Od, Butbut Tribe

Nas Academy has officially reconciled with Apo Whang-Od and the Butbut Tribe.

On Sunday, Nas Academy posted a video showing their visit to Buscalan, Kalinga to participate in a "customary reconciliation process."

"It was an amazing experience to be hosted by the tribal elders and community members and finally resolve our differences," Nas Academy wrote on Facebook.

According to the e-learning community, they "entered into a discussion with the tribal elders, which led to the tribe accepting our efforts of reconciliation." The whole ritual ended with a shared meal, it said. 

Nas expressed their gratitude to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for making the reconciliation event possible.

"We love the Philippines, and we are excited to continue changing lives through education," the post read.

Meanwhile, Head of Nas Academy Philippines Jacqueline Lim who spoke in the video said, "Our genuine focus is on education and our efforts to showcase the  culture of the Butbut tribe was misunderstood."

"At that moment, 'okay let us schedule this visit. Let us find a way to get there, weather and lockdown restrictions permitting'," she added.

According to NICP Chair Allen Capuyan, Nas reached out to NCIP and had formal Zoom meetings which resulted in the decision for them to visit the community in Buscalan.

Respecting the wishes of the Butbut tribe, Nas Academy said "the previous contract for Whang-Od Academy has been deemed null and void."

"It’s really nice that you guys are here. I can't say anything, but thanks for coming here shows that you are sincere in offering this reconciliation," Apo Whang-Od herself said in the video.

"Nas Academy is grateful to Apo Whang-Od and the Butbut tribe for accepting of it’s humble efforts of reconciliation," a text read at the latter part of the video.

In August, Nas Academy came under fire when Whang-Od's grandniece Gracia Palicas tagged the "Whang-Od Academy" it offered a scam.

Nas Daily, the academy founder, refuted Palicas' statement by showing a video of Whang-Od affixing her thumb mark on a contract.

Later on, Nas Academy said it was halting operations in the Philippines and expressing commitment to work with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP).

By the end of the month, and following their investigation, the NCIP concluded the revered traditional tattooist did not give her consent to teach the online course.  

While Nas Academy also refuted NCIP's findings, it said it "remained committed to our mission in the Philippines."

We're just glad that two months later, both parties have reconciled. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News