Galing Foundation, Inc. Outreach for Mindanao

Galing Foundation, Inc. (GFI) is a non-profit organization here in Atlanta, Georgia founded by Toni Daya Luetgers in 2005. It is focused on increasing English literacy especially among the indigent school children. They are operating in pilot schools in Quezon Province. I was recently appointed as the Galing Foundation, Inc. Mindanao Director to bridge opportunities for indigent school children from Mindanao. GFI will celebrate its 2nd year anniversary this May 22 which I will have an opportunity to share about indigent students especially the Blaan and Tboli tribe. Also, we will have fundraising event for books and school supply on June 16, 2007 to benefit the Blaan Dalel Christian Academy, Amgu-o Village, Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato and the Kipalkuda Elementary School, New La Union, Sarangani Province.

Here are the links for more details:
http://accessphilatlanta.blogspot.com/2007/05/invitation-from-gfi-great-evening-of.html
http://accessphilatlanta.blogspot.com/2007/05/gfi-ball-o-fun-on-june-16.html

More information about GFI can be accessed in its website www.galingfoundation.com

Tboli Tribe of Sarangani Province

The Tboli tribe also inhabit both upland and coastal areas. Tboli population is largely concentrated on the western side of the Sarangani Bay which bisects the whole province into an eastern and western part. The municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum are home to large Tboli settlements. Tbolis are also found in the province of South Cotabato especially in Lake Sebu and Tboli towns. The traditional upland agriculture today is still widely practiced and this is enhanced by the indigenous crafts of weaving and brassmaking. The Tbolis are known for the manufacture of T'nalak cloth using an indigenous process known all over Southeast Asia. Their brasswares such as bells, bracelets, armlets, leglets, necklaces, etc. are prized among other indigenous groups. The Tbolis have some of the best preserved oral literature such as the Tudbulol epic which is sung by traditional singers during thier festivals (IPDP 2005 brochure).

Non-government organizations doing volunteer work among the Tboli tribe of Sarangani are the Datu Wali Mission and the Salvation Army. More information and pictures about the Sarangani Tboli tribe in http://www.datuwalimission.org and www.sarangani.gov.ph

Comments from Kernie Fanagel

"Ganahan ko sa imo tubad mindanao blogspot...great idea! Dako gyud ni matabang sa pag-introduce sa atong tribu--Blaan."

I really like the tubad mindanao blogspot. It will be of great help to introduce our tribe --Blaan.

Kernie Fanagel
Founder
TUBAD Performing Arts
Malapatan, Sarangani Province

The Blaan tribe of Sarangani Province

The Blaans are the most numerous of the indigenous groups of Sarangani Province. They are found mostly in four Municipalities of Sarangani Province namely; Malungon, Malapatan, Alabel, and Maasim. Since ancient times, the Blaan have populated both the upland and coastal ares ans subsisted primarily on upland agriculture using indigenous technology founded on field rotation. Although the principal crop is rice, root crops constitute an important part of the diet and for this reason are planted in backyard gardens to sustain family meals. Thier traditional crafts are weaving and basketry.

Source: IPDP 2005 brochure "Meet the Sarangans: People and their Cultures"

Photo of Fulong Calingo Maluma and Herminia Lacna from Lamlifew, Datal Tampal, Malungon taken by Cocoy Sexcion.