Mental Health and Well-being of the Ati People in Panay and Guimaras Islands, Philippines

Abstract

This paper describes how the once nomadic Ati people, located in the islands of Panay and Guimaras, Philippines, courageously live through poverty, illiteracy, prejudice, displacement, state neglect, and mental health problems. It is desired that this initiative could provide government agencies and other concerned groups with a concrete venue to work with for the overall wellbeing of this and other marginalized indigenous peoples in the region. By echoing the fundamental worldview and cultural identity of this group, their other needs could be holistically addressed as well.