Pag-uli Tingob Festival: A Celebration Of Nagpana Ati Community

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The Nagpana Ati Community was proud and happy as they celebrated their Pag-uli Tingob Festival last November 25, 2011 at Sitio Nagpana, Brgy. Lipata, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. Pag-uli Tingob (Homecoming) is a celebration wherein relatives even as far as Cebu and Bohol would usually come back and be reunited with their respective families in Nagpana.

This year's celebration was organized on a bigger scale with more programs and activities to showcase and promote their indigenous culture.

The event has seen the participation of almost a hundred of visitors coming from different agencies of the Government and other NGOs. Present in the said event was Barotac Viejo Mayor Niel Tupas III together with his wife Mrs. Genevieve Gozom-Tupas and Vice Mayor Jovino B. Tugbang, Jr. TSKI was well represented by no less than Mr. Angel L. de Leon, Jr., Executive Director, Engr. Zinnia P. Teruel, member of the Board of Trustees, and staff coming from various departments.

Through TSKI's support, the community was able to construct their Community Tribal Hall aptly named Sapiw Tiripunan (House of Gathering) which was inaugurated during the festival, alongside with the lighting of the Tribal Hall powered by solar energy panels. The said power source, through the help of TSKI and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), was a first for the community which have not enjoyed the benefits of using electricity for a long time.

The highlight of the celebration was the Mass Wedding. Eight pairs took their vows in front of Mayor Tupas, their families and guests inside their Tribal Hall.

Meanwhile Ati children presented a traditional dance showcasing the acts and ways of their culture.

The celebration has provided an avenue for effective dialogue with the non-Ati people, and encouraged participation from government agencies and other NGOs in open dialogues to support IP livelihood projects.