Manila, Philippines – Together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines, Barefoot Philippines, a campus-based youth organization at the Ateneo de Manila University, which advocates for every child’s rights, holds its first virtual art auction-fundraiser from today, November 29 to December 5, 2020. The auction’s whole proceeds will instead go to the relief efforts aiding the recent typhoon victims, which was supposedly going to more than 400 Ayta youngsters when the auction was first announced earlier this month.
Through the Frontiners Kitchen, Ateneo Dream Team, and Call for Candaba, Barefoot Philippines is looking forward to extending its assistance to the typhoon victims.
Auction participants may take a peek at the artworks for bidding at Barefoot Philippines’ Facebook Page. Register via Viber or SMS: 0917 775 4244 or 0917 589 0168.
The artworks for bidding come in various forms, such as paintings, prints, pottery, and sculptures, among others. These are mostly donated by artists Christine Dy, Ezril Kho-Morales, Ross Du, Sarah Pallarca, Trissy Punzalan, Ysixth, Joan Lee, and some anonymous donors, among others.
Formed six years ago, Barefoot Philippines has refocused its programs on the Ayta children’s education. These indigenous children are residents of the Katutubo Village in Porac, Pampanga, whose parents were forced to relocate here when Mount Pinatubo in the Zambales mountains erupted in 1991.
“Even after more than two decades since the unfortunate incident that led to their relocation, the Katutubo Village still experiences threats to their livelihood and culture.
“In addition to this, they find difficulty in gaining access to their basic needs and urban municipalities.”
In Manila, especially during the Christmas holidays, Ayta natives are seen in bus stations and other crowded places selling their local products. Due to the pandemic, the presence of the Aytas in the city has been restricted.
Photo: Paolo Yaptinchay
