On May 10 and 11 2021, Mica Cabildo and Tof Zapanta met virtually with representatives of the Bagobo-Tagabawa community of Brgy. Sibulan for morning and afternoon online focus group discussions, facilitated by Ms. Jimbea Lucino of Philippine Eagle Foundation at the Davao Carbon Forest. Forest guards, women, elders and youth participated in the discussions, giving the artists of Whitehead’s Ark a glimpse into their culture and daily lives in the ancestral lands that they share with wild Philippine eagles.
Mica and Tof asked the community members about their activities, observations, aspirations and sources of pride with regards to their community, environment, culture and roles as protector of the Philippine eagle and its habitat. The artists were inspired by the optimism, agency, sense of empowerment and pride that the community radiated as a result of Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Indigenous Forest Guards Program.
Because of ongoing travel restrictions due to Covid-19, the Whitehead’s Ark team members have not been able to travel to Brgy. Sibulan to live with the community, interview individuals and conduct a Photography, Videography and Digital Skills Workshop.