Ati tribe supports closure of Boracay

Members of the Ati tribe whose ancestors were among the first settlers on Boracay island expressed support for the government's move to close the paradise destination beginning April 26, according to a report on News To Go on Wednesday by Rhea Santos.

"Gusto din namin itong Boracay ay maiayos dahil kung minsan kapag lumabas kami diyan sa labas, ang pangit!" said a woman community leader.

At least 200 members of the Ati tribe reside in Boracay. They live in a 2.1-hectare land in Barangay Manoc-Manoc which is considered ancestral domain.

It was reported that the Ati tribe members were one of the first to be affected by the island's modernization as they prefer a quiet and simple lifestyle.

"Kalungkot-lungkot ang Ati community dahil kinuhaan ng mga tinataniman na kung tingnan ay wala namang may-ari. 'Yun pala ay mayroon," the woman community leader said.

Despite their support for the closure of the island, however, many of them will be severely affected.

One of them is Lara, an 11-year-old incoming Grade 11 student. Her studies have been supported from the start by tourists.

"Malungkot dahil baka mawalan kami ng scholar at maapektuhan ang pag-aaral namin. Sana hindi sila magsawang suportahan kami," she said.

Almost 50 Ati children are scholars of tourists. There is no guarantee yet that the scholarships will continue during the six-month closure of the island to tourists. —KG, GMA News