Sitio Ilak is a small and remote village located in Barangay Kuya, one of the 11 barangays of the municipality of South Upi in the province of Maguindanao. Sitio Tuladan is home to the Teduray tribe, one of the indigenous peoples (IP) in Mindanao who have preserved their traditional culture and way of life. The Teduray are known for their egalitarian society, rich oral literature, and intricate weaving and carving arts. The community is quite far from Cotabato City to South Upi town proper. The travel time is about two to three hours to reach Barangay Kuya and another 30 minutes to an hour upon reaching Sitio Tuladan. The road is passable on foot or a motorcycle, depending on the road conditions.

The difficulty of crossing the river varies according to the season and weather. The water level is low, and the stream is slow during the dry season, making navigation easy. However, during the rainy season the water level rises, and the current becomes strong, making it unsafe and difficult to cross. The river also poses the potential for flash floods and landslides, which can destroy crops and residences along its banks.

The Tuladan Elementary School is one of 1,664 public elementary and secondary schools in the Philippines without electricity. The school serves 164 students from the Teduray tribe, one of the indigenous peoples (IP) living in the remote and vulnerable community of Brgy. Kuya, South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, BARMM. The lack of electricity in the school poses many challenges to the quality of education and the well-being of the students and teachers.

The classrooms are dark and poorly ventilated, making it hard for the students to read and write. The school also has no access to modern equipment such as computers, projectors, fans, or other devices that could enhance the learning experience. The teachers have limited resources and methods to deliver their lessons effectively. The students have difficulty studying at night or during rainy days due to the lack of lighting. The school also faces security and safety issues due to the absence of lights and alarms.

This fundraising campaign aims to provide classrooms with clean and free energy that can improve the teaching and learning environment, and empower the students, teachers, and community members by providing them with opportunities for economic and social development through solar energy. Providing this necessity will open many possibilities such as being able to facilitate the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom, which improves the quality and relevance of education. Moreover, electrification can provide co-benefits such as improved sanitation and health, gender empowerment, and community resilience.

The project hopes to contribute to the sustainable education and well-being of the IP students in Tuladan Elementary School. Your generosity will change the lives of the teachers and students of Tuladan Elementary School. Your kindheartedness could be life-changing for them, giving them hope and the opportunity to move forward.