Gigo Alampay
Hi. I’m Gigo Alampay, a Filipino nonprofit leader, writer, lawyer, and policy consultant.
I founded CANVAS in 2005 to bring Philippine art and children’s stories to help young people read, imagine, and engage more fully with the world around them. CANVAS has grown substantially since — over 2.2 million children will have received copies of our books by the end of 2026. Presently, we are building our Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art.
I wear a second hat as a lawyer and policy consultant. Alongside my work with CANVAS, I advise governments and international organizations on technology, telecommunications, competition, and digital governance.
I write children’s books, essays, and occasional reflections on culture, public life, and the things that matter to me.
This site is a home for all those things: a place to share selected projects, writings, books, talks, and documents — and to keep a more personal and lasting record of the ideas and efforts that have shaped my life.
Recent Thoughts and Articles
What do the people see in Sara Duterte?
No one yet has enough information to decide whether its benefits outweigh its costs. That should be the starting point of any honest discussion, and the onus of making the case should lie with the government.
Simply put, we do not know enough to form a position on Pax Silica, so we should not be rushed into making a decision.
UP Law Misses the Big Picture on AI
The College is right to be concerned about students becoming dependent on AI. But should not focus so much on preventing its use. It should also embrace its equally important responsibility to produce lawyers who are able to use AI critically, ethically and well.
A tribute to my father who would have turned 90 this year, and to the ripple effect of books and genuine generosity.
Current Projects
Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art
We have the land. We have the art. Several facilities and major installations are already there. We have a clear idea for the experience we wish to offer. We are now raising funds and exploring partnerships that will help to bring the full vision to life.
Children’s Literacy
On top of CANVAS’ work to publish and distribute picture and activity books for children, distribution of our titles is now scaling by the millions thanks to a growing partnership with the Department of Education and EDCOM II.
If Trees Could Talk International Art Biennale
If Trees Could Talk is a geographically unbound international art biennale that brings artists and audiences into conversation about trees, ecology, memory, and our shared environmental future. We have just completed its second edition, which included a global postcard call that drew more than 600 participating artists from 60 countries.
Marahuyo, Inc.
I am the CEO/Founder of Marahuyo, a for-profit social enterprise which operates an advocacy-based art gallery, and an online marketplace for art-inspired merchandise. Proceeds and events benefit the children’s literacy initiatives of CANVAS.
Safe Space 2.0: A Kid’s Guide to A.I. and Digital Wellness
I am presently working with Studio Dialogo and Globe on a follow-up to Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy, an activity book for children that I wrote and which won the National Children’s Book Award in 2022.
Safe Space 2.0 is slated for publication by CANVAS before the end of 2026.