The “Bahayahay” learning and workshop center project is a two-storey multi-purpose building constructed to provide the Ata women in Paquibato a venue to conduct training on their traditional crafts including dressmaking, beading, and basket-weaving.
The project aims to ensure the preservation of the cultures and traditions of the Indigenous People (IP) such as the traditional weaving and bead-work craftsmanship unique to the Ata tribe of Paquibato.
The project was funded by the New Zealand Embassy through New Zealand Aid and has been made possible with the coordination of the City Government of Davao and the IP community in Paquibato.
Biyo Alma Omo, president of the Ata Women Association of Paquibato District, thanked the City Government and the New Zealand Embassy for the project.
She said the project is a huge help for them as they now have a venue to share their traditional weaving and beadwork with the younger generation.
“The Bahayahay will be our venue to train and teach the younger generations about the practices in our culture and tradition, to preserve it and ensure that it will last,” Omo said in vernacular.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte in his message read by Pamela Chamen, a representative of Peace 911 thanked the New Zealand embassy for its generosity in entrusting the city with a financial grant.
Duterte also assured the Ata community in Paquibato that the city through Peace 911, will continue to serve and support the community, especially in their efforts to preserve their indigenous culture, practices, and tradition.
Meanwhile, Rolando Torres, a representative from the Office of the New Zealand Honorary Consul for Mindanao Executive Director, said the embassy is hoping that the project will help in the preservation of their culture and tradition.
The city also hopes for the sustainability of the project and vows to continue its efforts to help IPs preserve their cultures and traditions throughout the coming generations.