Make an impact. Enable rural creatives. Build resilience. Empower the local.

AT THE HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES

catalyzing island creativity
for community empowerment

We are I LOVE SANTA CRUZ COLLECTIVE : champions of creativity and community empowerment

I Love Santa Cruz Collective is a non-profit organization based in Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines.

We are rapidly transforming the way local residents and public authorities engage with arts, culture, heritage, tourism, and democratic participation. 

We are shifting paradigms and enabling innovations through grassroots capacity-building, organizing, and establishing linkages between the communities we serve and the private as well as public sectors.

AND OUR LOCAL PUBLIC AUTHORITIES ARE NOW ADOPTING OUR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.

THE PROBLEM

Lack of livelihood and employment opportunities in Santa Cruz, Marinduque leading to increased outbound migration of the rural population.
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OUR INNOVATION

We are unlocking new sources of productivity and creating channels for local entrepreneurship to thrive. 

THE PROBLEM

Local tourism enterprises are not achieving scale and attracting sufficient arrivals to catalyze employment generating public and private investments.
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OUR INNOVATION

We are curating, packaging, and marketing new and exciting tourist experiences drawing on local culture and heritage to attract a broader tourism market interested in authentic, genuine, and community-based activities.

THE PROBLEM

Limited citizen participation in democratic spaces of collective action and decision making leading to lack of public awareness on key developmental issues and engagement possibilities. 
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OUR INNOVATION

We are bridging local academic and policy sectors through collaborations and research mentorship programs that align student thesis projects with community needs while encouraging students to develop skills in democratic participation.

the communities we work with

Botilao Tourist Services Cooperative

Our partnership with the Botilao Tourist Services Cooperative focuses on developing and promoting sustainable tourism on Hakupan Island. We are working with the cooperative to build their capacity in providing high-quality eco-cultural tourism experiences, including guided tours, nature walks, and educational activities that showcase the island's unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. By providing training, marketing support, and access to wider networks, we are enabling the cooperative to generate income, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of their members while preserving the natural beauty and cultural traditions of Hakupan Island.

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Santa Cruz Youth and Artists

Our collaboration with Santa Cruz artists and youth is at the heart of our creative initiatives. We provide young artists with platforms to showcase their talents, develop their skills, and generate income through programs like Moryon Wearable Art. We also train youth as eco-cultural tour guides, empowering them to share their knowledge and passion for Santa Cruz's heritage with visitors. By nurturing their artistic talents and providing them with economic opportunities, we are fostering a sense of pride and ownership among the youth, encouraging them to become active contributors to the community's cultural and economic development.

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Tanim Pag-asa Backyard Vegetable Gardens

Our partnership with the Tanim Pag-asa Backyard Vegetable Gardening Beneficiaries integrates sustainable agriculture and tourism. We are working with these beneficiaries to develop immersive tourism experiences that showcase their backyard gardens and traditional farming practices. This initiative not only promotes sustainable food production but also provides an additional income stream for the beneficiaries through tourism. By connecting them with tourists and promoting their agricultural products, we are helping them to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.

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Buri and Buntal Weavers and Crafts Enterprises

Our collaboration with the Buntal and Buri Weavers of Santa Cruz focuses on preserving and promoting traditional weaving practices. We are working with these artisans to develop cultural tourism experiences that showcase their skills and craftsmanship. By connecting them with tourists and providing them with a platform to sell their products, we are helping them to generate income, sustain their craft, and pass on their traditional knowledge to future generations. This initiative not only preserves the cultural heritage of Santa Cruz but also empowers the weavers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.

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MORIONES LENTEN RITES

We are the local government unit’s technical and capacity development partner in the conduct of the town’s Moriones Lenten Rites. 

While the whole of Marinduque Province celebrates this unique cultural heritage, the Municipality of Santa Cruz is known for hosting the most colorful, vibrant, yet solemn and spiritually enriching Moriones related activities. 

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MORYON Wearable Art Social Enterprise

We manage a social enterprise that was conceived out of the local government’s ArtVenture Design Camp and Competition initiated by Santa Cruz Mayor Marisa Red. We continuously train young creatives in handpainting fashion apparel and other crafts – imprinting on them our iconic Moriones cultural heritage. 

our work

HAKUPAN ISLAND Eco-Academy and Wellness Sanctuary

We are transforming tourist experience in Hakupan Island – co-managed by the Botilao Tourist Services Cooperative, the local government of Santa Cruz, and Barangay Botilao. Our initiative will make eco-education facilitators among local residents, empowering them to give visitors not just a serene but also enlightening experience. 

ECoolToura: Rediscover Santa Cruz Eco-Cultural Tours

We’ve designed immersive, unique, and interactive eco-cultural tours led by trained local guides, showcasing the island’s natural beauty and traditions while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the community.

DEMLAB Democracy Laboratory Santa Cruz

We are implementing comprehensive leadership development programs that aim to capacitate local youth in democratic discourse and deliberation through debate, public speaking, history, and public policy analysis and advocacy. We bring into dialogue the academe, research communities, and public policy sectors to discuss opportunities for convergence and collaboration.

THE LATEST FROM THE COLLECTIVE

INTER-HIGH SCHOOL DEBATE TOURNAMENT

SANTA CRUZ, MARINDUQUE – I Love Santa Cruz Collective held an orientation workshop for student debaters and their coaches at the Santa Cruz Tourism Building on September 25th, kicking off the first-ever Inter-High School Debate Tournament in Santa Cruz which opens on October 26, 2024.

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HAKUPAN ISLAND ECO-STEWARDS TRAININGS

I Love Santa Cruz Collective held an Eco-Stewardship Discovery Workshop on September 3, 2024, at the Barangay Hall of Botilao, Santa Cruz, Marinduque, for the Botilao Tourist Services Cooperative. Executive Director RR Rañeses introduced the Collective’s eco-educational tourism plan for Hakupan Island.

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REDVOLUTION RISING CREATORS PROGRAM

Santa Cruz Mayor Marisa Red-Martinez graced the awarding ceremony of the REDvolution Rising Creators Program held on September 26 at the Santa Cruz Tourism Building. The program challenged local artists to showcase their talents and celebrate cultural heritage through three competitions centered around nature-based art.

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GET INVOLVED!

DONATE
LICENSE ART
ENGAGE US

Your generous support is vital in empowering the youth of Santa Cruz and building a brighter future for our community. Here's how you can contribute:

Financial Contributions:

  • Cash Donations: Every peso counts! Your cash donations help us fund our core programs, including:
    • Training and Capacity Building: Providing workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities for our youth in areas such as arts, culture, tourism, and leadership development.
    • Educational Resources: Equipping our youth with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, including books, software, and online learning subscriptions.
    • Community Events and Competitions: Organizing events like the inter-high school debate tournament, cultural exhibitions, and art competitions to showcase the talents of our youth and foster community engagement.
    • Artists' Allowances and Cash Prizes: Recognizing and rewarding the hard work and achievements of our young artists and participants in our programs.

In-Kind Donations:

  • Painting Supplies and Art Materials: Help our young artists unleash their creativity by donating paints, brushes, canvases, drawing pencils, and other art supplies.
  • Blank Shirts, Bags, and Apparel: Provide the foundation for our Moryon Wearable Art program by donating blank shirts, bags, and other apparel that our artists can transform into unique works of art.
  • Office Supplies and Equipment: Support our day-to-day operations by donating essential office supplies like paper, pens, printer ink, or gently used computers and printers.

Your donations, whether financial or in-kind, directly contribute to the empowerment of Santa Cruz's youth and the development of a thriving community. Join us in making a difference!

Do you want to infuse your brand with unique artistry and cultural significance while making a positive social impact? I Love Santa Cruz Collective offers a compelling opportunity for fashion brands to license authentic and vibrant artwork created by our talented young artists.

Why License Our Art?

  • Unique and culturally rich designs: Our artwork is inspired by the vibrant cultural heritage of Marinduque, featuring captivating Moriones imagery, local flora and fauna, and traditional patterns reimagined through a contemporary lens.
  • Support youth empowerment: By licensing our art, you directly contribute to the development and empowerment of young artists in Santa Cruz, providing them with sustainable livelihoods and opportunities to showcase their talents on a wider platform.
  • Affordable and flexible licensing arrangements: We offer competitive licensing fees and flexible arrangements to suit your brand's needs, whether you're looking for a one-time use or a long-term partnership.
  • Promote intellectual property rights: We respect and uphold the intellectual property rights of our artists, ensuring fair compensation and recognition for their creative work. Your brand can demonstrate its commitment to ethical sourcing and social responsibility by licensing our art.
  • Enhance your brand image: Align your brand with a socially conscious organization dedicated to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and community development.

Imagine our captivating artwork adorning your apparel, accessories, or promotional materials, adding a touch of cultural flair and social responsibility to your brand. Contact us today to explore licensing opportunities and join us in empowering the next generation of Filipino artists.

Experience the vibrant culture and artistic talents of Santa Cruz by engaging our services:

  1. Commission a Wearable Art: Own a unique piece of Marinduque's cultural heritage by commissioning a custom-made wearable art piece from our talented young artists.
  2. Book an Immersive Tour: Discover the hidden gems and cultural treasures of Santa Cruz with our youth-led eco-cultural tours. Immerse yourself in the local traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of our community.
  3. Invite Us as Resource Persons for Trainings: Share the inspiring story and expertise of I Love Santa Cruz Collective by inviting us as resource persons for your training programs and workshops. We offer engaging sessions on topics such as youth empowerment, cultural tourism, and community development.

Join us in building a brighter future for the youth of Santa Cruz. Your support can make a real difference!

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