Traditions of the Community:

              Traditions of new Washingtonian is to celebrate fiesta's and to visit the different spot's of our town. If there is one tradition in the Filipino community that has survived all the challenges of the millennium and still remains relevant today, it is the history of Aklan and its Ati-Atihan culture. 

               New Washington, Aklan. “Looking back from humble beginnings and moving forward to opportunities and challenges”. The 4-H Club Federation of the Philippines fittingly chose the theme as it celebrates its 60 years of existence. From a core of young people focused on developing their farms, the 4H has grown into a national organization. It has triumphed as a force to reckon with in nation building as it develops citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills among the youth.
               
More than 300 delegates from all over the country gathered to celebrate the occasion in a National 4-H Convention last March 23-25, 2012 at the Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington, Aklan. The affair was hosted by the National Federation Officers and the Region 6 Federation of 4-H Clubs. Full support was given by the ATI National FYDP Team led by Alice Nebreja and ATI Region 6 headed by OIC-Center Director, Mesitlie A. Teruel.
 
The Convention was a triumphant event in more ways than one. Foremost was having DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala who inspired everyone by his mere presence. Add to this is the Secretary’s commitment of 1.2 M pesos worth of livelihood projects for each of the Regional Federation of 4H Clubs. ATI Asst. Director for Operations Alberto Maningding gave a sentimental message and revealed that he deliberately chose the affair to be his last official function before he retires.
               
Even on the first day, the mood was festive and celebratory with each region’s cultural presentations, capped with the “Barter of Panay” enactment by Aklan. The soothing chorus and string ensemble of Guimaras 4H Club together with the amazing talents of 4Hers from other regions provided entertaining breaks to the sessions. Efforts to triumph over various challenges to agriculture were demonstrated as 4Hers themselves exchanged organic farming technologies and business strategies. They learned from farm entrepreneur Ramon Peñalosa as well as from health and wellness expert Dr. Albert Jo.  They shared blessings with 60 indigent families of New Washington and did their part in caring for the environment by planting mangrove trees.