Nas Academy to pause operations in the Philippines amid Whang-Od Academy issue

Nas Academy on Sunday announced that they will be halting operations in the Philippines following the controversy on the Whang-Od Academy project.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, Nas Academy wrote a message to the Philippines.

"We wanted everyone inside and outside the Philippines to become a teacher, because knowledge is the only thing that increases when you give it away," they wrote.

"Sadly, some of our intentions have been misunderstood, as we can see with Whang-Od Academy. But our goal has always been to help people become teachers, with their input and consent," they added.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Whang-Od's grandniece Gracia Palicas slammed the program for "taking advantage of our culture" and called it a "scam."

"I know you have good intentions of sharing our culture to the next generation," she said. "However our village's concern is that some people are profiting and [exploiting] our art and culture."

"I know you spoke to someone and gave some money and will share profits, but Apo Whang Od is not aware of your contract," she added.

Nas Academy responded to the allegations by releasing a video showing Whang-Od signing a contract using her thumb print, with her niece Estella Palangdao present.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) said they will investigate the contract signing following allegations of exploitation.

"Bandying on social media a contract is not proof of compliance. The NCIP will make our review and onsite validation and interview, whether the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent process should have then been implemented on this incident," said Attorney Marlon Bosantog of NCIP-CAR.

Nas Academy said they are "committed to working with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) to ensure that all proper processes are followed."

"Meanwhile, we will be pausing our operations in the Philippines to focus on strengthening our processes around how we collaborate with our partners," they added.

Nas Academy earlier removed the Whang-Od Academy course on their website.

Last June, Palestinian-Israeli vlogger Nas Daily announced a roster of professionals from the Philippines who will be collaborating with him in "Nas Academy" to share their knowledge, and Whang-Od was one of those listed to teach.

Its website said that the "104-year-old legend will reveal all her rituals, tools and methods for making traditional tattoos."

The course costs P750 which includes "Lifetime Access To Her Course," and "2 Live Lessons With Trainers."

—Jannielyn Bigtas/MGP, GMA News