About Us
Preserving the Soul of the Filipino Through Dance
The Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Katutubong Sayaw ng Pilipinas (STKSP), internationally known as the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS), is the Philippines' foremost organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, education, and advancement of Philippine folk and indigenous dances.
Founded in 1949 by Francisca Reyes-Aquino, the country's first National Artist for Dance and revered as the Mother of Philippine Folk Dancing, the organization was established with a singular vision—to preserve the rich and diverse dance traditions of the Filipino people and pass them on to future generations through education, research, and performance. Since its inception, the Society has worked closely with educators, cultural workers, artists, researchers, and institutions across the country, making Philippine folk dance an integral part of cultural and educational development.
For more than seven decades, the organization has organized national workshops, teacher-training programs, festivals, research initiatives, and cultural exchanges that have equipped thousands of teachers, choreographers, performers, and advocates with the knowledge and skills necessary to sustain the country's dance heritage.
Our Evolution
Originally established as the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS), the organization formally adopted its Filipino corporate name, Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Katutubong Sayaw ng Pilipinas (STKSP), in 2009 following its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the English name Philippine Folk Dance Society continues to be recognized both nationally and internationally, the Filipino name more accurately reflects the organization's commitment to championing the nation's indigenous and traditional dances as living expressions of Filipino identity and culture.
Today, STKSP proudly carries forward the legacy of Francisca Reyes-Aquino by remaining the country's leading non-government organization devoted to Philippine folk dance education and cultural preservation.
Our Mission
To preserve, promote, document, teach, and develop Philippine folk and indigenous dances as vital expressions of Filipino history, identity, and cultural heritage through education, research, performance, and community engagement.
Our Vision
A nation where every Filipino values, celebrates, and actively preserves the rich traditions of Philippine folk and indigenous dances for present and future generations.
Continuing the Legacy
For over seventy-five years, STKSP has remained at the forefront of Philippine folk dance education by conducting the National Folk Dance Workshop, implementing teacher development and accreditation programs, producing educational resources, and partnering with schools, universities, local government units, and cultural institutions throughout the Philippines.
In 2026, the organization continued this tradition by successfully holding its National Folk Dance Workshop in Iloilo City, bringing together educators, choreographers, cultural workers, and dance enthusiasts from across the country. The workshop served as a venue for learning, collaboration, and the continued promotion of authentic Philippine folk and indigenous dance traditions, reaffirming STKSP's commitment to strengthening cultural education and safeguarding the nation's intangible cultural heritage.
Our Commitment
As the steward of Philippine folk dance heritage, STKSP remains committed to:
Preserving authentic Philippine folk and indigenous dances through research and documentation.
Promoting cultural appreciation through education, performances, and community outreach.
Empowering educators, choreographers, and cultural advocates through professional development.
Inspiring future generations to embrace Philippine cultural identity through dance.
Building partnerships that ensure the continued vitality of Filipino traditional performing arts.
For more than seven decades, STKSP has stood as a trusted institution dedicated to ensuring that every step, rhythm, and movement of Philippine folk dance continues to tell the story of the Filipino people—honoring the past while inspiring the future.