Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. ("CARTWHEEL") is a duly recognized non-stock, non-profit organization, incorporated in accordance with the Corporation Code of the Philippines on October 1, 1999 (Security Exchange Commission Registration #A1999-15468). The Foundation envisions a Philippines where Indigenous Peoples (IP) enjoy their rights to quality education, self-determination and active participation in community life amidst a thriving heritage. Its mission is to empower IP communities by harnessing self-sustaining capacities through culturally relevant education.  

Since its inception in 1999, CARTWHEEL has made an impact on over 12,000 IP lives across 45 communities, producing pre-school and elementary graduates through its Education and Child Development (ECD) Program, college graduates through the Young IP Leaders Program, and culture bearers through the Adult Capability Building Program (ACAP).  

In 2003, CARTWHEEL was recognized by former Philippine President Corazon Aquino as one of the 20 non-government organizations of the People Power People Movement for bringing “health, livelihood, education and hope” to Indigenous Peoples.  

In June 2006, CARTWHEEL contributed to the establishment of an Indigenous Peoples College called Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples Education in Mintal, Davao City. Together with partners University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), ILAWAN Center for Volunteer and Leadership, Assisi Development Foundation, Office of Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI, Pamulaan provides college education to IPs who dream of an educational program rooted in their life, culture, and aspirations as a people.  

In 2014, the organization was conferred the Best Practices Award from UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding for the program on Early Childhood and Elementary Education for the indigenous Higaonon learners in Sinakungan, Agusan del Sur.  

CARTWHEEL is a licensed organization under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is accredited by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), and is affiliated with networks such as the Association of Foundations, Expressive Arts Philippines, and the Zero Extreme Poverty 2030 Movement. 

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