Filipino tribe invites tourism investors

The indigenous Filipino people of the Aytas, who live in scattered, isolated communities in mountainous parts of the island of Luzon, want to open their territory to private investment from the tourism industry, under the condition that locals benefit from the increased economic activity, community leaders said.

The Aytas territory around the town of Nabuklod in the Pampanga district sits 1,200 feet above sea level in Luzon in reach of Angeles City, Central Luzon and Metro Manila and offers spectacular views of mountain ranges of Porac, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales. It spans over 5,000-hectares that are dubbed ‘Paradise in the Sky” and has potential to become a major tourist attraction. Around 1,000 Aytas live in the area.

Local leaders cited the Native American casinos near San Diego, California as models for tourism development in their community. However, the Aytas said they do not aim to open casinos but want to build agri-, eco- and event tourism facilities to get less dependent on funds from the provincial government.

As for tourist attractions, a nearly complete statue of the ascension of Jesus Christ and a cable car have already been completed in 2012, said Nabuklod agri-tourism project coordinator Roy Imperial.

The Aytas are a group of indigenous people thought to be descended from the very first inhabitants of the Philippines. Like many indigenous peoples, the Aytas have traditionally been marginalised, and many live without access to basic amenities like running water or healthcare.

The provincial government has been using more than $1 million for the development in the area. For the first time, potable water drawn from the lower portion of the area is now available in the developed area of the Aytas. The government said it is also closely working with the National Housing Authority to complete at least new 350 houses for Aytas in the near future.