When Genes and Indigenous People Matter

Home to one of the indigenous peoples in the island of Panay, Nagpana is nestled at one the mountains of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

The Institute of Human Genetics at the University of the Philippines (Manila) with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region VI and Region VII went to the area last April 24 to conduct some saliva testing among the Ati's, one of the indigenous peoples in the country. I've been to Nagpana before during their Pag-uli Tiriringob Festival last November but this time, it is different. This is now more on health related concerns of the Ati's from the community. I'm doing more field research on the area for my ethnographic writing . The team from the Institute of Human Genetics was made up of a geneticist, an anthropologist, doctor and a biologist. Three of us come from the NCIP, one is the head of Technical Division,the other as the Provincial Head for the Ati's of Guimaras and Barotac and me as the historian and consultant writer. I took some pictures during that day.

Ati kids taking a bath on a lazy day under the sun.

Their handicrafts are beautiful.

I took the picture at the top.

My favorite kid at the community.

This is for our lunch.

The geneticist in action. Explaining the concepts of genes and DNA.

Listening attentively to the instructions.

Abundance of abaca at the community.

I would have wanted to take a dip.

Beautiful view on top of a huge rock.

Mother and child.

I enjoyed my interview with Lola.