In partnership with the New Zealand Embassy-Manila, the City Government of Davao through Peace 911 applied to the New Zealand Embassy Fund Manila, for the sustainable development of the Ata Indigenous Women’s Association of Paquibato District. This project is entitled, “Bahayahay: A Learning and Workshop Centre for Indigenous Women”.

The concept behind this project is anchored on the School of Living Tradition approach of the Ata indigenous community. It will serve as a space for intergenerational dialogue on the indigenous community’s history, culture, and tradition.

The centre will also serve as a workshop space for Ata women as they harness their traditional practices and sources of livelihood such as creating different traditional attire, mat weaving, liyang or handicrafts making (namely, bobo, pana and bead works).

The project “Bahayahay” will also allow the women to work in proximity to their homes. They would be able to fulfil their duties as caregivers while improving their skills on weaving and sewing. The project will allow them to bond with their children, by teaching them how these handicrafts are made while telling them stories behind the history of their tribe.

Moreover, to cater more opportunities that will in-house not only the workshop centre of Ata women ICCs/IPs, but also their tribal hall, the project will now have a two-storey building, designed by the Davao City Engineer’s Office (CEO) after close consultation with the Ata Indigenous Women’s Association of Paquibato District, Ata Tribe Indigenous Political Structure and Ancestral Domain Management Office.

New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell and City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte led the ground breaking ceremony of the Bahayahay: A Learning and Workshop Centre for Indigenous Women building project last May 19, 2023 in Purok 14, Sitio Pegdalahan, Brgy. Pandaitan, Paquibato District, Davao City. 

Ambassador Kell said in an interview that the Ata Women of Paquibato District are very good with their handicraft and weaving, and because they needed a place to come together, hence the decision of building a centre.

The City Mayor expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Kell for extending his charity and choosing the Ata Women of Paquibato District as the beneficiary of the project. He also thanked the Ata women for preserving their culture and traditions. He added that their culture and traditions are very important and they should be proud of their identity as an Ata Tribe. The City Mayor hopes to bring prosperity in Davao City, the same as what he saw in New Zealand.

Peace 911 Focal Person Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto remarked that the City Government of Davao through Peace 911 shall continue to support the Ata women in preserving their culture and tradition as well as improving their economic growth.

With its near project implementation, Peace 911 hopes that the workshop centre will help the women of the Ata Tribe to better their lives culturally, economically and peacefully.