DAVAO CITY — A learning center which aims to assist women of the Ata tribe in the creation of their traditional crafts as well as their promotion to potential market will soon be realized as the local government here — in partnership with the New Zealand Embassy — held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bahayahay Learning and Workshop Center for Indigenous Women in Barangay Pandaitan in Paquibato District.

The Bahayahay project is a two-story multi-purpose building funded by the government of New Zealand and dressmaking, beading and basket-weaving will be taught in the center.

Aside from being a workshop for traditional craftsmanship, the Bahayahay workshop will also serve as an exhibition center where Ata women’s products will be displayed for clients.

Mayor Sebastian Duterte expressed gratitude the government of New Zealand for the aid and said that it will not only promote the Ata tribe’s products, but will also promote the preservation of traditional weaving and bead-work craftsmanship unique to the Ata tribe of Paquibato.

“The Bahayahay and other initiatives geared at empowering women to take a more proactive role in the socio-economic activities in society will inevitably create a stronger and more equal community,” Duterte said.

The Davao City mayor also hopes to see Paquibato’s Ata tribe enjoy the same opportunities and strong sense of identity as New Zealand’s Maori.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell said the project was first conceptualized with then mayor and now Vice President Sara Duterte during New Zealand’s chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2021.