THE ATI OF BORACAY
When I traveled to Boracay, I expected a simple break from my work in Taiwan—a chance to rest, enjoy the beaches, and escape from routine. But as I wandered beyond the areas most tourists frequent, I encountered something that changed the way I saw the island. I met the Ati people, the Indigenous community whose ancestral land Boracay has always been.
They shared their stories with me—stories of struggle, displacement, and resilience. While luxury resorts expanded and property developers claimed territory, the Ati found themselves continually pushed out of the land they had lived on for generations. One leader, an activist who fought for their rights, had even been shot and killed, reportedly by a security guard from a neighboring resort. It was a stark reminder that beneath Boracay’s postcard beauty lies a difficult and ongoing fight for survival and dignity.
What struck me most was the contrast within the community. Many of the men, worn down by poverty and a lack of opportunities, spent their days drinking. It was the women who carried much of the burden—working long hours in resorts, providing for their families, and even going out to fish to make sure everyone had something to eat.
