Bridging the technological divide with Metrobank

In the second consecutive year of this round of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) grants, Cartwheel continues the valuable partnership with MBFI this time in equipping the Pamulaan Library at the Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Education.  The memorable Grants Turnover Ceremony last September 5, attended by some 100-plus guests, coincided with the celebration of Metrobank’s 46th Anniversary and was graced by Sen. Loren B. Legarda as guest of honor.  The grant of P70,000 provided computers at the Library, allowing Pamulaan’s IP students the opportunity to access new technology that would enrich their learning experience and skills, especially in research and communication.  The Pamulaan Library also serves as the IP Library for the University of Southeastern Philippines and a valuable resource of Philippine indigenous cultural heritage. 

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Cartwheel and WER: Partners in education

Cartwheel gains a new partner in World Emergency Relief (WER), an international organization which is committed to “giving children a living chance” by addressing their physical, emotional, and economic needs among others.  With its headquarters in the and offices in the , , Hong Kong, , Holland, and , WER provides commodities and relief to afflicted places all over the world as well as grant support to programs for long-term development of communities.  WER’s grant to Cartwheel will support the Pre-School Assistance and College Scholarship Programs.

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2nd Music and Art Exchange in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon

Cartwheel’s innovative Music and Art Education Program continued on its second year with the Music and Art Exchange this time taking place among the Umajamnon youth of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon from June 7-12.  Cultures in Harmony (CinH) a U.S.-based classical ensemble committed to promoting cultural diplomacy through music, returned as Cartwheel’s partner in this creative exchange of music, art, and community life. The four members of CinH, namely, Danielle Kuhlman, Peter Evans, Clio Tilton, and Reenat Pinchas, spent 7 days with 32 Umajamnon scholars of the Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation headed by Fr. Mat Sanchez, S.J., for a workshop that brought out each participant’s expression of his realities and histories through music, dance, and play.  The workshop then produced 4 original compositions co-written by the Umajamnons and CinH.  This, along with other musical pieces and traditional songs and dances, was brought to a larger audience in Cagayan de Oro city in a culminating concert on June 13. Students and members of the academe and religious alike, who packed the Little Theatre of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, were in awe as they watched the Umajamnons tell their story along with CinH through the powerful medium of music and art.

 

In 2009, the Music and Art Exchange will embark on its third year with another indigenous community.  This 3-year exchange and partnership with CinH will culminate with a major concert in Manila June 2009.

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