The TLOD demonstrating Ati's way of life.

The TLOD demonstrating Ati’s way of life.

The Atis from Leong, Cabatuan and Lanit, Jaro settlement areas did not only entertain but educate the crowd in their cultural presentation during the outcome-based education (OBE) learning activity of the Literature class held at the Multi-purpose Covered Gym on February 14.

Tribu TLOD (Tribal Leong Organization Development) from Cabatuan, Iloilo entertained the students and faculty through the display of their rich cultural heritage. A vocal solo in indigenous Ati language gained tremendous applause from the audience as the native did good not only in singing but also in beatboxing. TLOD shared their culture in a tribal dance depicting their nomadic lifestyle- hunting, mat weaving, broom-making and other native way of life of an Ati. The spears, bow and arrow and other native ornaments used by the Atis were a good learning tools for the students.

panAti Tribe Mission, Inc. and Tribu Buntatalanit from Lanit, Jaro portrayed some historical events and cultural assimilation in their presentation. The group rendered a choral presentation and a vocal solo in indigenous language featuring the Purchase of Panay. The tribal street dancing by Tribu Buntatalanit portrayed the Ati culture in the modern world. Tribu Buntatalanit was a participant in the 2017 Dinagyang Festival.

For its part, ISAT U Cultural Group presented various cultural dance and musical numbers.

Ati visitors receive goods and grocery items from Literature class students.

Ati visitors receive goods and grocery items from the Literature class students.

Prof. Maria Elena C. Villa, Literature teacher, said that the objectives of the activity were to enhance the teaching-learning strategy to meet the outcome-based learning; to make the students appreciate and be aware of the cultural characteristics of the Atis; to bring ISAT U closer to the Atis through the students and university officials; to make the Atis feel the beauty of being in a learning institutions and make them see the importance of education, and to make the students feel the culture of the Atis.

As part of the activity, the students initiated a gift giving activity to 50 Ati families who received slippers, used clothing and grocery items.