A fundraising activity is conducted in social media to help musicians in Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet, who are affected by the enhanced community quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fundraising called “FB Live Music for a Cause” brings together local artists to perform live on Facebook wherever they are, according to organizers Cleford Siguaben and Carlos Puno.
“As you know, these people make a living per diem. There are no regulations so far put in place to ensure their labor rights and as a result they do not enjoy the same opportunities or benefits as a regular employee. With the ECQ affecting many businesses, we understand that a few were able to provide a little to no relief to their regular musicians,” the organizers said.
The Facebook live performances are a means to encourage donors as well.
“These performances (live or recorded), are available to public for their enjoyment therefore in a sense, we are still helping the community by relieving their anxieties through music,” they stated.
The organizers said most of the time, the contributions of musicians in their hometown are taken for granted. They claimed Baguio and La Trinidad are tourist destinations where music and entertainment are a huge factor in sustaining their respective tourism industries.
“I could just imagine a gloomy Baguio without live music that draws a lot of crowd and a haven for tourists and workers alike after a long day,” one of the organizers said.
Also, musicians have been performing in various music for-a-cause concerts that benefited many in the locality through the years.
“And so with that said, it is about time for the community to return the favor to them,” they said.
Live performances, videos and updates are found on the organizers’ public Facebook group page “Isko and Friends.”
Donations may be coursed through them at Go Fund Me https://www.gofundme.com/f/fb-live-music-for-a-cause or through G-Cash number 09175439903 or through BDO savings account name Ned M. Micklay and account number 004720150074.
As of April 8, 14 donors have donated a total of $580 at the Go Fund Me page. – Ofelia C. Empian
