[SDGs Study Tour] Manila Half-day Study Tour to Smoky Mountain & Scavengers' Settlement

This tour focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to learn first-hand about social issues through visits to impoverished areas in Manila, Philippines. In particular, participants will gain a deeper understanding of urban poverty issues, waste management, housing and living conditions. What is Smoky Mountain? Smoky Mountain is a famous giant garbage dump located along Manila Bay. It used to be a smoking garbage dump where many poor people lived and earned their living by collecting recyclable garbage. Today, scavengers and their families still reside around the Smoky Mountains, living in squalid conditions. Purpose of the tour The purpose of this tour is to deepen participants' awareness of poverty issues in the Philippines and to learn about the challenges and solutions to achieve the SDGs through exposure to the following themes 1. poverty and inequality (SDG Goals 1 and 10) This is an opportunity to observe the lives of the poor in and around the Smoky Mountains and understand the reality of poverty. You will learn how they collect trash and make a living. 2. sustainable cities and communities (SDG Goal 11) The importance of waste management and sustainable development in cities will be examined through fieldwork. You will learn how waste management affects the health and safety of cities. 3. climate change and environmental issues (SDG Goal 13) Through field experience, students will consider how waste management issues are linked to climate change and environmental degradation. 4. community support and education (SDG Goals 4 and 8) Learn about the efforts of local aid organizations and communities, and understand how support activities for the poor are carried out, as well as their achievements and challenges. Contents of the tour Visit to waste disposal sites and settlements: Visit to scavenger settlements in and around the Smoky Mountains to observe the local living environment and people's lives. Dialogue with local volunteer groups: You will have an opportunity to hear about poverty reduction efforts and environmental protection activities from staff of volunteer groups and aid organizations working in the area. Interaction with the community: Through dialogue and exchange with local residents, participants will deepen their understanding of their lives and the challenges they face. Expected Outcomes Through this study tour, participants will see first-hand the local situation and understand the challenges and efforts on the ground to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is also expected to provide an opportunity for them to think about how they themselves can contribute to the SDGs, and to develop a proactive attitude toward social issues in the future. This tour provides a valuable learning opportunity for participants to deepen their awareness of poverty and environmental issues and encourage them to take action.

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  5 hours

• Adult/Child

  USD 135.00

• 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

  • Tour time, order, itinerary, and content may change depending on conditions on the day of the tour.
  • The schedule in the tour itinerary is subject to change depending on hotels, traffic conditions, weather, tour time, etc. Please allow plenty of time for your schedule. Please let us know in advance if you have other plans.
  • This is a shared-ride tour with other passengers.
  • 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.
  • 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 guide 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.
  • 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.
  • [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.

• Minimum Participants

  • 2

• Cancellation Policies

  0%

  21 days before to 00:00

  After 00:00, 21 days before

  100%

  Participation Date