Mount Tag-ao, located in Brgy. Tamulalod, Dumarao, Capiz, spans about 1,600 hectares and is home to the indigenous Ati community, who are awaiting the formal approval of their ancestral land claim. The mountain has rolling terrain and reforested areas managed by the DENR, featuring both native and exotic plant species. Historically called Rarantawan, it served as a refuge during World War II and has remained central to the Ati's way of life for over 60 years. It holds deep cultural, social, and economic importance, providing food, medicine, hunting grounds, and sacred spaces for the community. However, the area faces threats from land disputes, harmful farming practices, and destructive activities by non-indigenous individuals. While traditional conservation is still practiced, long-term protection depends on the official recognition of the Ati’s ancestral domain and stronger sustainable management efforts.
Photo Credit/s:
Ma. Joymie A. Valencia, 2024
Mappers:
Lolit Valencia, Ma. Joymie A. Valencia, Manilyn M. Lozada
Tags:
ancestral land claim, Ati Community, Brgy. Tamulalod, Capiz mountains, community livelihood, Cultural Heritage, DENR management, Dumarao Capiz, ecological importance, Environmental Threats, exotic plants, food and medicine, Forest Protection, historical refuge, hunting grounds, indigenous peoples, Indigenous Rights, land disputes, Mount Tag-ao, native plant species, reforested areas, sacred spaces, , sustainable management, traditional conservation, World War II History
Want to know more?
Inquire about this specific heritage by filling up the form below.
We will get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.
