Tao Foundation for Culture and Arts, Inc.

During the Covid 19 years, the Tao Foundation organized online concerts featuring its President in partnership with Bayanihan-Musikahan, the Center for Organizing, Renewal, and Leadership or CORAL, the Center for Babaylan Studies, and others. These were done to raise funds for a number of Philippine Indigenous communities affected by the lockdowns and their resultant economic crisis. Thanks to friends from around the world, the Tao Foundation raised sizable amounts used to purchase sacks of rice, fish, and other food items distributed to the elderly, the sick, folks with disabilities, widows and widowers, solo parents, those with neither employment nor land to till, and others in dire need. In addition to the food aid, cloth, threads, and beads were sent to a number of women artisans groups, and arts workshops and scholarships given to a number of children in remote areas. The Tao Foundation collaborated with various indigenous groups and community leaders in the different regions like the BAPE-PAMULAAN Batch 2012 in Bukidnon, Mingor Chi Kultura (Warriors of Culture) in Kalinga, Rev. Juselle Dela Cruz in Pampanga, Guro Aga Mayo Butocan in Metro Manila, Dr. Jesus Insilada in Iloilo, the Art Relief Mobile Kitchen in Davao, Sakahang Lilok in Rizal, many of whom gave generous counterpart support.

Alay 2021 Photos

Bayanihan-Musikahan 2020 Photos

Between the years 1995 and 2002, at a time when Philippine teachers and students in public schools especially, had few, if any, materials to use to teach and learn Philippine traditional cultures and musics, the Tao Foundation published a number of audio recordings, some with monographs, of selected musical genres. The titles published were: 1) Maguindanao Kulintang featuring Aga Mayo Butocan (solo), 2) Pakaradiaan Maranao Epic Chants and Instrumental Music featuring Sindao Banisil (solo), 3) Marino Hanunuo Mangyan Chanted Poetry and Instrumental Music featuring Baryus Gawid, Ulyaw Bat-ang, et al. (various artists), 4) Kahimunan Agusan-Manobo/ Higaonon/ Banwaon Cultural Music featuring Datu Tomambaw Salvador Placido, Pastor Jose Havana, et al. (various artists), and 5) Tudbulul Lunay Mogul: T’boli hero of Lunay, the Place of Gongs and Music featuring T’boli cultural music featuring Mendung Sabal (solo). Part of the proceeds was used to support a small scholarship program for indigenous college students. This publication series ended in 2002 because the high costs of research, production, and printing could not be recouped. By 2023, rights to almost all of the titles have reverted back to the traditional artists for them to manage and use for indigenous education and other purposes in their respective communities.

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Between the years 2006 and 2007, the Tao Foundation in cooperation with the Advocates of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc., the Australian Community Assistance Program, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur, and UNESCO, facilitated the enhancement of the works of a number of traditional artisans in Agusan del Sur. These artisans received training in product development, business management, and sustainable resource utilization. Although this program is long finished, the Tao Foundation continues this advocacy by supporting the training of more artisans through the Agusanon-Manobo-School of Living Traditions, and by connecting Cultural Masters with agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry that may eb able to assist them.

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Between the years 2003 and 2008, the Tao Foundation mounted numerous educational workshops on traditional performing arts, arts and crafts, holistic health, and intercultural/interfaith dialogue. These were held at the National Museum, Museo Pambata, British Council-Manila, fifteen public schools in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Laguna, thirteen barangays and municipalities in Agusan del Sur, and in Balay Agusan, the Tao Foundation’s center in Mindanao. These activities came about in partnership with local organizations and communities, the families and friends of Tao Foundation officers, the Toyota Foundation, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and Arts, UNICEF, and other institutions.

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National Museum (2002)

Museo Pambata (2002)

British Council (2002)

Agusan Tour (2003)

Sining Salubungan (2004)

Balay Agusan Festival  (2005)

Community of Learners Foundation  (1998)

In the early 2000s, and again in 2021 during the pandemic, the Tao Foundation gave a number of scholarships to mostly female college, high school, and elementary students from different ethnolinguistic communities.

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