How does the Internet Empower the Atis of Boracay?

BORACAY Island- Despite the ati being considered the marginalized sector of this resort island, they now feel that they are equal in their capability with the Internet.

Maria Tamboon, 47, an ati told the Boracay Island News Network that they use the Internet to market their products, the schooling of their children, and connecting with their fellow Indigenous Peoples (IP’s) all over the Philippines.

The BINN has facilitated a donation from Evelyn Talatala-Clough, who was crowned Mrs Tourism USA in 2023. She provided P5000 for the purchase of two internet modems and cellphone loads. Clough’s an engineer by profession and has roots in Kalibo, Aklan. She said her advocacy is to empower women worldwide, urging them to maximize the internet—equally with men.

Tamboon said that while the use of the Internet has its advantages, it affects their culture.

“It is now hard for us to share our indigenous knowledge with our children anymore because they are becoming dependent on the Internet.

For instance, for centuries we were taught by our ancestors how to determine the advent of typhoons and other related calamities through the chirping of the wild birds. If we hear the loud chirping of passing wild birds, we know that nature is telling us that there is a typhoon coming. By hearing this, we then prepare to go to the cave for shelter,” Tamboon said.

But for the ati children, who are now empowered by the technology, immediately informing them of what is to come, the transmission of indigenous knowledge may be disrupted.

Nevertheless, Tamboon said that they will still continue to use the Internet and hope several of their indigenous knowledge will be documented for their future generation to learn.