Cordillera musicians raise funds for Baguio, Benguet landslide victims

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Local musicians from across the Cordillera region came together on 16 and 17 August 2026, for a two-day benefit concert that raised P175,000 for families affected by recent landslides in Baguio City and Benguet.

The online concert and donation drive were held at Heartland Music Lounge and Resto Bar, which provided the venue free of charge. Proceeds were earmarked for residents affected by landslides in Purok 2, Guisad Surong Barangay in Baguio City and Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Organizers said they maintained full transparency in handling the donations, with no administrative or operational expenses deducted from the total amount raised.

Performers covered their own transportation expenses, while members of the local music community sponsored food and beverages for the performers and event crew.

The only funds distributed outside the main relief fund were P8,000 in tips, which organizers divided between two local musicians who were also experiencing financial difficulties.

The remaining proceeds were turned over to the designated beneficiaries in the landslide-affected communities, organizers said.

The benefit concert was organized on short notice but drew participation from local artists and support from patrons and donors over the two-day event.

Organizers thanked the venue management, performance sponsors, musicians, donors, and other supporters who contributed to the relief drive.

The P175,000 raised through the online concert has already been turned over to the intended beneficiaries.