They may be from inland villages, but indigenous Ati children had the chance to learn about the significance of marine resources here. More than a dozen Ati children from both Iloilo and Guimaras province traveled to Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMAR), which is managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Nueva Valencia town. “This was conceptualized as a travel and learning experience for the indigenous children,” said Angelica S. Belarmino, assistant project leader of “Trip to Learning Wonderland.” Besides giving the Ati children background on marine wildlife and conservation, advocacy campaign leader Carmela Novilla also taught them the basics of snorkeling.

Yap, T. (2017, December 10). Marine resources tour for Ati kids. Manila Bulletin, p. 15.