TAO-Pilipinas concluded its 21st anniversary campaign with the completion of the 2022 TAO Book Giving Drive that was started last August. TAO publications were donated to a total of 21 local libraries across the Philippines. These book donations were made possible by the support of individuals who sponsored the purchase of TAO books. TAO sent the books to recipient-libraries in three batches, from September to November.

Book giving recipients and sponsors

TAO’s book giving reached libraries in 14 provinces including Aklan, Albay, Bataan, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Pangasinan, Samar, Zambales and Zamboanga del Sur. (See location map of recipient-libraries.)

The recipients were mainly public libraries and state college libraries. They were the libraries that asked for TAO book donations by answering an online request form posted by TAO. A couple of libraries were also specifically nominated by some sponsors.

After receiving the TAO book donations, the libraries shared photos of the books in display or circulation in their respected libraries. TAO posted these in the Instagram account @architectsinthemargins to acknowledge both recipients and donors.

There were 46 donors, either currently residing in the Philippines or overseas-based, who sponsored the book giving to libraries. Most traced a direct connection with TAO, among whom are NGO colleagues, YP alumni, and former TAO staff members continuing to support TAO initiatives with their sponsorship.

Fundraising for TSM20 printing

The money raised from the book giving sponsorships amounted to PHP 68,492.95. This fund has been allocated for the costs of shipping TAO books to recipient-libraries and the printing of TAO Shelter Magazine 20^th Anniversary Edition (TSM20). Initially, due to inadequate funding, TAO only released the magazine as an e-publication earlier in the year.

With additional funds mobilized through this anniversary campaign, TAO will be able to release the print edition of TSM20 before the end of the year. TSM20 focuses on the stories of change brought about by TAO’s two decades of technical assistance work with communities. Complimentary copies of the magazine will be distributed to TAO’s community partners, while a limited number of copies will be made available for sale.

This article was written by Geraldine Matabang and was first published in our YP ENewsletter September – December 2022 issue.