In a landmark commitment to supporting Filipino artistic and cultural advocacy, Microsoft has selected OBRA Inc. to receive a comprehensive technology grant including donated Microsoft 365 Business licenses and cloud infrastructure through Azure—enterprise-level digital tools that will revolutionize how the organization serves Filipino artists and cultural practitioners across the Philippines and throughout the global diaspora.
Empowering Creativity Through Digital Innovation
Through TechSoup Asia Pacific, Microsoft has granted OBRA Incorporated 10 complimentary Microsoft 365 Business licenses—a premium productivity suite valued at thousands of dollars annually. This comprehensive package provides access to industry-standard professional tools including Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, and more. Additionally, Microsoft has donated server infrastructure through Azure, Microsoft's world-class cloud computing platform, ensuring OBRA's digital services remain robust, secure, and accessible to Filipino communities worldwide.
For small nonprofits serving dispersed communities—particularly those supporting artists who face significant financial barriers—such enterprise-grade systems are typically financially out of reach. Microsoft's recognition of OBRA's vital cultural mission changes this equation entirely, providing the technological foundation necessary to scale impact and serve Filipino creatives more effectively than ever before.
Bridging Continents, Uniting Artists
"We have an ambitious lineup of projects and collaborations aimed at advancing the arts and culture of Filipinos—both within the Philippines and across the diaspora," said Nash Ang, Founding Director of OBRA Incorporated. "For an organization whose members, artists, and cultural partners are scattered across continents—from Manila to Milan, Cebu to California, Davao to Dubai—the grant provided by Microsoft will fundamentally transform how we collaborate, create, and serve our community. This technology empowers us to work as one unified team, regardless of geography."
This donation arrives at a pivotal moment for Filipino artists and cultural workers worldwide. The estimated 10 million overseas Filipinos include countless talented artists, performers, writers, designers, and cultural advocates who face unique challenges: isolation from artistic communities, limited access to collaborative tools, and barriers to maintaining cultural connections. Simultaneously, artists working within the Philippines often lack access to professional-grade digital infrastructure that could amplify their reach to international audiences and collaborators.
Security, Trust, and Sustainability
"Nonprofits have some incredibly important information in IT systems about beneficiaries," noted Erik Spelhaug, Microsoft's Program Manager for Nonprofits. "Maintaining trust with donors and with beneficiaries is the lifeblood of organizations, and part of maintaining trust is having appropriate security backstops."
For OBRA Incorporated, which manages sensitive information about artists, overseas workers, and community members across multiple countries, Microsoft's enterprise-level security features provide essential protection. The donated Azure infrastructure ensures that cultural archives, artist portfolios, and community data remain secure, backed up, and accessible—safeguarding Filipino cultural heritage for future generations.
A Commitment to Filipino Artistic Excellence
Microsoft's technology donation extends beyond software licenses. As part of this initiative, the company announced it will provide up to 10 free seats of Microsoft 365 Business to small and medium-sized nonprofits, with options to add additional seats for just $5 per month—making enterprise technology sustainably accessible as OBRA's community grows. Microsoft has also launched the Digital Skills Center for Nonprofits, a comprehensive learning platform that will enable OBRA's team and community members to maximize these powerful tools.
This partnership represents a profound investment in Filipino creativity, cultural preservation, and community resilience. It recognizes that Filipino artists—whether creating in provincial studios, metropolitan galleries, or foreign cities—possess extraordinary talent deserving of world-class support systems.
Building the Future of Filipino Culture, Together
Digital transformation is not merely about technology—it is about possibility. With Microsoft's donated infrastructure and tools, OBRA Incorporated can dream bigger, reach further, and serve more effectively. Filipino artists across the globe will find stronger connections, better resources, and enhanced platforms to share their unique voices and cultural perspectives.
Every Filipino artist deserves the tools to succeed. Every cultural tradition deserves preservation. Every creative community deserves connection. Through this transformative partnership, we move closer to that vision.
The future of Filipino arts and culture is digital, global, and unstoppable.
OBRA Inc. welcomes Filipino artists, cultural practitioners, and creative professionals from the Philippines and across the diaspora to join our growing international community. Together, we are building digital bridges that honor our heritage while creating new possibilities for Filipino artistic excellence worldwide.
For more information about OBRA's programs, collaborations, and opportunities for Filipino artists, please visit our website or connect with us on social media.
