[SDGs Study Tour] Manila 1-Day Smoky Mountain & Manila North Cemetery Study Tour
By learning about and studying social issues such as poverty and environmental problems in the Philippines, participants will develop the ability to think about the challenges and solutions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Smoky Mountains, a symbol of poverty in the Philippines. The Tondo area is said to be the largest slum in Southeast Asia, and "Smoky Mountain" has been introduced many times in movies and books. The name "Smoky Mountain" came about because of the constant dumping of garbage that was not incinerated at the time, and the chemical reactions that eventually resulted from the piles of garbage that were constantly billowing up in smoke. The "scavengers" who were searching for usable items from the piles of garbage and selling them to earn a living were called "scavengers". In 1994, the Philippine government shut down the Smoky Mountain operation, but those who lost their way continue to live in the Smoky Mountains. We will experience up close how these people live happily with smiles on their faces and continue their daily lives in spite of their poverty. We will then interview them and discuss current issues. How to break the negative cycle? How to break the current situation? What can we do now? What can we think about after returning to Japan? After your participation, the organization will issue a souvenir of your participation and a certificate of volunteer participation. * This tour is organized with the cooperation of local governments and volunteer groups that provide support mainly in the Smoky Mountain and Tondo areas. *Japanese-speaking guides will be provided, but local organization staff and tour leaders will provide guidance in English. * Please let us know in advance if you have any donated items. * Children's stationery and other study supplies, as well as origami, colored paper, pens, crayons, etc. can be used for the day's communal activities. For groups Currently, we can accept up to 45 people. Please consult with us if your group is larger than 45 people. *Basically, the local government assigns a barangay police officer (local government police) to escort and assist customers. *For group tours, arrangements for tour content and itineraries can be made with a separate quotation. *Please contact us in advance if there are any activities you would like to do with the community or group.
Days of Week
Duration
hours
Outline
Schedule
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Depart the hotel
Pick-up times vary depending on the hotel.
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Meet up with volunteer staff
Introduction and briefing
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Move to Smoky Mountain
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Visit Smoky Mountain
We will walk up to the top of the Smoky Mountains. We will visit in small groups. - Junk stores and alleyways - People living in the Smoky Mountains (e.g. houses of scavenger people) - Vegetable gardens, livestock, etc. in the village
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Move to the Volunteer Organization Office
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Learning about Filipino culture and activities with children at the volunteer organization's office
Activities on the first or second floor of a volunteer organization's building * The number and age range of children who can participate depends on their schedule. Activities (examples) - Brief orientation about the program - Violin performance by children - Interaction with sponsored children and youth leaders - Simple origami making - Discussion (teaching each other about the characteristics of each country, etc.) - What are students like in the Philippines and Japan? - Taste Filipino sweets
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Lunch time prepared by volunteer staff at the volunteer organization office
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Departure from the Volunteer Organization Office for the Manila North Cemetery
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Visit Manila North Cemetery
Navigation in the area • Former Philippine Presidents & Manila Mayors • Armed Forces of the Philippines Cemetery • Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Revolution • SS Last Voyage - Ship Mausoleum • American Governor-General • Masonic burial grounds • Jewish Cemetery • Pet Cemetery • VIP apartments & mausoleums • Japanese Garrison Tree
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shower/change clothes
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shower/change clothes
*Arrival time may vary depending on the hotel where you stay.
Plan Information
What's Included
- Round-trip transportation from hotels in Metro Manila, Japanese-speaking guide, local volunteer group guide, group activity fees, and a portion will be used to support the local community and distribute meals to local children.
What to Bring
- Please wear comfortable walking clothes and sneakers or other shoes. No sandals, etc. are allowed.
- In addition to sunscreen, please bring long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and an umbrella to protect yourself from sunburn, insect bites, and dengue fever.
- Avoid bringing heavy bags for a more convenient tour.
- Please bring your own bottles of drinking water to prevent heat stroke.
- The tour leader will be with you at all times during the tour. However, please take care of your valuables by yourself. We are not responsible for any loss or damage.
Additional Info
- A request from the locals. Please remember to enjoy this tour. And never forget to take home with you all the wonderful experiences and emotions you had on this tour.
- Rates are per person.
- The minimum number of participants is 2. If you wish to join the tour as a single person, you will need to pay the fee for two people.
- There is a possibility that you may be sharing a car with other participants on the day of the tour. If you participate in the tour as a single person and you share a car with another person, we will refund the fee for one person.
Minimum Participants
- 2
Cancellation Policies
0%
14 days before to 00:00
After 00:00, 14 days before
100%
Participation Date