The Kaisa Heritage Foundation, Inc. was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit corporation on November 12, 1996 by fifteen (15) Filipinos of Chinese descent who wanted to preserve the culture and heritage of the Chinese in the Philippines. Upon the initiative of Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, the Kaisa Heritage Center was built and opened in 1999. Initial funds for buying the lot and building for the Center was provided by Dr. Angelo King and the rest were raised from the Tsinoy community. The Foundation is primarily active in the operation and maintenance of a cultural and research center particularly the Kaisa Heritage Center. Its main office is located at #32 Anda corner Cabildo Streets, Intramuros, Manila.
Its purposes, among others, are “to provide the framework to bring the Tsinoy community to meaningful participation in the country’s development and sustainable progress; to perpetuate, preserve, learn and seek inspiration from the rich cultural and historical legacy of Tsinoy in Philippine life; to be a lasting repository of the historical and cultural legacy of the Chinese in all aspects of the Philippine life”. The Foundation’s programs now focus on the following areas: Bahay Tsinoy (Museum of the Chinese in Philippine life), Chinben See Memorial Library, Research & Databank Center, and Awat Keng Auditorium. The major thrust of the Foundation is to establish an educational and research center as repository of the tangible and indelible imprints and influences of the Chinese in Philippine history, culture, politics, and society.
