As a way of giving thanks for yet another successful year, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) extends its support to the Ati Komunidad of Boracay as it takes on the challenge of mastering nito weaving, a traditional Filipino craft.
Anchored on the theme Weaving Heritage, Planting Hope, the project underscores MHR’s commitment to preserving Filipino craftsmanship while creating sustainable income opportunities for indigenous communities.
MHR managing director Cleofe Albiso said of the initiative:“The Ati people are the original caretakers of Boracay. By nurturing livelihood opportunities for them, we honor their legacy and help ensure that progress on the island includes them. They are the heart of this island long before it became the destination we all know today. By investing in programs like nito weaving, we hope to uplift their lives and give back to the community that has given us so much.”
Paying homage to local culture
Every year, MHR chooses a beneficiary community to honour during its Thanksgiving celebrations in November, and the Ati communities of Boracay were selected for 2025.
As part of the initiative, MHR hosted a ten-day nito weaving workshop in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The training was held at the Ati Village from 10th to 21st November, bringing in 19 Ati participants who were eager to learn the craft from Francia Escote, an accredited DTI trainer whose own journey began as a student in similar workshops.
Today, Escote runs her own brand, Franz Handicrafts, and now teaches others how to turn this heritage craft into a sustainable livelihood.
Top MHR executives and DTI-Aklan provincial director Romel Amihan attended the culminating activity on 21st November to personally award certificates to the participants.
All participants were honoured and given the chance to showcase their handcrafted nito creations.
MHR Boracay Newcoast properties general manager Maia Israel addressed attendees, saying: “We all know that nito weaving is flexible, durable, and naturally beautiful, just like the Ati. We see in you the same resilience and hard work that continue to thrive despite changing times. As vanguards of Filipino culture and heritage, MHR hopes to help preserve the art of nito weaving. That is why we partnered with DTI-Aklan, who guided us in learning this skill, which can also serve as an additional source of livelihood.”
