Losing

The nuns sadly told PSSST! CENTRO that the Atis of Boracay had lost their lore. They do not remember their traditions, their art, their songs. The difficulty of surviving the daily grind has bleached it out of them. And the constant battle for their own small place in the land that once belonged to them, has suspended their lives.



Now they must grapple with the death of Dexter Condez, their 26 year old leader whose efforts helped the Ati regain 2.1. hectares of their property. The Atis believed that getting their small space in the world would have delivered them some peace. But the opposite happened. Even as the property was being surveyed, opposing claims were made on the property which is next to Boracay’s world-famous beach. The attacks escalated. Vicious name calling, the destruction of their fence by security guards of the Crowne Regency Hotel (which supports one of the claimants), death threats and threats of bodily harm have become regular fodder, and fear, almost palpable, hangs in the air.

There is just one problem. The Atis have no place else to go.

But perhaps precisely because they have very little and what little there is, is constantly threatened, these gentle people are gaining ground via a support network that appears to be growing. Taking attention was no less than the President’s sister, Viel Aquino-Dee, who together with Sec. Joel Rocamora of the NAPC, attended Dexter’s funeral rites. Ms. Dee says Dexter caught her attention when he eloquently defended Ati rights at a congressional hearing only a few days before his death. Rocamora, who says his agency has long considered the Ati as a priority in poverty alleviation. The NCCA also lent its voice to the desire to seek justice for Dexter.

Social media has also taken up the cause, with posters of Dexter’s face with the words, “NO TO BLOOD TOURISM” being passed around.

And this does not bode well for Philippine tourism’s crown jewels. Boracay is PH’s top money maker, with tourists coming in year-round from all over the world. Hotel owners have remarked that as of last year, they no longer have a peak season, as tourists from China and the rest of Asia come in on what used to be the off-season months.

It’s the goose that lays the golden eggs and from the look of it, going after the Atis may well cook that goose, because if this Bood-Tourism campaign catches on, going to Boracay will be synonymous with murder. Like the campaign against blood diamonds, there could very well be a campaign AGAINST going to Boracay. Think about it. Other states or provinces competing for the tourist dollars would be more than happy to oblige in this campaign. Its simply a matter of lighting the fire.

So, if anyone wants to consider doing violence again to the Atis, this should give them pause. Violence against the Atis will ensure an impoverished and empty landscape in Boracay.

Justice for Dexter. Justice for the Boracay Ati. Or else, no to blood tourism.

By: Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles

(Source : PSSST! Centro)

To know more about Trixie Cruz Angeles, check out: I AM TRIXIE CRUZ