The Gratitude Fund – Philippines

In the Philippines, it is estimated that indigenous peoples constitute roughly 20% of the total population. Unfortunately, despite legal protection as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, they continue to face poverty, lack of access to basic services, and land rights issues, even on the very land that legally belongs to them. At the same time, indigenous peoples face external pressures on their ability to live as an indigenous community, including in the area of education.

The Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center (APC) is a non-profit organization existing informally since 1992 but was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2004. APC provides an integrated and holistic education for the indigenous children and youth along the Pantaron Range, starting off at Sitio Bendum and connecting with other 21 indigenous communities in the valley.

The Gratitude Fund supports APC in its efforts to regenerate the tribal council’s legal documents in Bendum and supporting them in reestablishing their role in the community.