TOS activities in the Philippines

The TOS in the Philippines is a registered foundation, together with two other subsidiary foundations: Golden Link College Foundation and Green Earth Foundation. Affiliated with it also is the Peace Centre, which publishes Peace Ideas as well as conduct seminars and workshops towards the building of peace in the Philippines.

The programmes of the TOS Philippines include:

• Running five schools from preschool to high school (a college department will open in 2009)
• Scholarship programme for more than 200 students from pre-school to college level
• Youth development programme
• Adult education
• Women’s development
• Vegetarian advocacy
• Community development
• Peace Work
• Rehabilitation of severely malnourished children
• Networking with other NGOs

The work involves not just TS members but also volunteers in the communities, whether they are members of the TS or not. The TOS is active in networking with government agencies, non-government organisations and individuals, both within the Philippines and abroad.

It has hosted many foreign volunteers from Bangladesh, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, France and Korea.

It is basic to the principles of TOS work that:

• There should be a theosophical element in TOS work, which means among other things: development of character, inculcation of wholesome values, nurturing of compassion, and the awakening of spirituality.
• The theosophical work or project should as much as possible address root causes rather than just offer palliatives.

The TOS Philippines celebrated the 100th anniversary of TOS International attended by members, beneficiaries, network partners and donors. Speaking is Ms. Rekha Lutfun Nahar, President of the TOS in the Philippines.

The TOS has received many awards from cities and the national government agencies. Above are award ceremonies from Quezon City and Caloocan City.

The TOS Philippines has hosted many volunteers from many countries, such as Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, France, Australia and Korea. The above are French volunteers who helped build the TOS Learning Centre (below):

The Golden Link School was established in 2002. It is the fifth school started by the TOS in the Philippines. The above photo shows the building extension for the college department which was opened in June 2009.

The Besant School is a project of the Bacolod Lodge in Bacolod City. Classes go up to primary level.

The TOS Centre in Bago City established by the Bacolod Lodge

The TOS college scholars together with their parents during one of the regular meetings with the TOS staff

The Golden Link Youth Camp has been conducted yearly since the late 1990s.

  
Livelihood programmes for poor families in Metro Manila and in Bago City

Closing session of a livelihood training programme

 
Every year the TOS conducts one or two medical and dental missions in poor communities.

A seminar that seeks to promote inter-religious and inter-ethnic harmony.