Asst. Prof. Jonevee Amparo, Coordinator of the UPV Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, and Asst. Prof. Jose R. Taton, Jr., faculty of the U.P. High School in Iloilo, served as resource speakers for the training titled, "Magdodokumento ng Enaeta na Lengwahe at Serkansas," last July 26-28, 2023.
The activity was initiated by the Brgy. Ubang Ati Community Association (BUACA) of Pototan, Iloilo in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Amparo and Taton trained and assisted at least 50 Ati youth in the development of a glossary on Ati language in collaboration with Ati culture bearers. This inititative was pushed amidst growing concerns on language degradation and loss among Ati communities. Their participation as key partners of indigenous cultural communities is one of the many ways that UP Visayas upholds one of its mandates - the promotion of Western Visayan culture.
The event was participated by at least 8 Ati communities in Iloilo; Ms. Gela Jagolingay, Cluster Head of the Ati ICCs; Ms. Jona Lebuna, representative from the Office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) - Region 6/7; and the local government unit of Pototan.