PHILIPPINE TRADITIONAL MUSIC AUDIO SERIES
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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AGUSAN DEL SUR LOCAL AND INDIGENOUS ARTS PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
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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PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
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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UNICEF/CCP/Butuan (2007)
Balay Agusan Festival (2005)
Sining Salubungan (2004)
Agusan Tour (2003)
National Museum (2002)
Museo Pambata (2002)
British Council (2002)
Community of Learners Foundation (1998)
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
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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