Luzon, Philippines

May 1–15, 2010

"Don't forget to do your homework!" is a phrase that is not just for parents these days. Now it is a call to action for volunteers to build homes for people who need them. If you are committed to making a difference in another family’s life, you are invited to join this amazing team of volunteers. No previous construction experience is necessary.

About the Philippines
The Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world and has a rich history of Asian, European and American influences.

The Philippines is one of the world’s most urbanized places, with just over half of its population living in cities. Metro Manila is composed of 16 cities and one municipality. With more than 11 million people, it is one of Asia’s megacities.

The government estimates that between 2005 and 2010, the country needs some 3.8 million new homes, with demand concentrated in Southern Tagalog, Metro Manila and Central Luzon. In Metro Manila, more than 126,000 families live in slums, particularly on low-lying floodplains, precarious slopes and exposed riverbanks. Many live within highly toxic zones close to highways and railroads, along waterways, near transmission lines and at airports, dumps, markets and other areas that are unfit for settlement. Those living in squatter communities also face fire hazards.

About Habitat for Humanity Philippines
Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has played an active role in providing decent, durable and affordable housing for families that need it. Through a network of affiliates and project offices in rural and urban areas, HFH Philippines has built and repaired over 26,000 homes. Habitat has also assisted more than 5,000 families displaced by typhoons, fire and landslides.

Lodging
Habitat for Humanity Philippines will determine the best lodging option for GV teams, considering group size and proximity to the construction site. Accommodations are simple, safe and clean. Generally, rooms are shared by two to three people with a private bathroom for each room, though accommodations vary.

Transportation
All teams will fly into Manila and spend the first and last nights at a hotel there. The team will take an internal flight or ground transportation to the host program district for site locations within the country. HFH Philippines will assist team leaders with booking ground transportation.

Standard itinerary
(15-day itinerary)
Day 1, typically Saturday: Depart for the Philippines.
Day 2, Sunday: Arrive in Manila and travel to Luzon.
Day 3, Monday: Welcome and orientation with local host staff members; visit work site and meet home partners; welcome dinner.
Day 4–8, Tuesday–Friday: Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; dinner; time for team activities; special events throughout the week.
Day 9, Saturday–Sunday: Free days; activity in local community, cultural activities or free time.
Day 10–13, Monday–Thursday: Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; dinner; time for team activities; special events throughout the week.
Day 14, Friday: House dedication, if applicable; farewell with community; free time; final team dinner.
Day 15, Saturday: Departure day.

Trip cost
$1,750 per person
Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant air fare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities and team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated air fare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant air fare, R&R activities or visa and exit fees.

Team leader
Anthony Leofsky first volunteered with Habitat 20 years ago. He has participated in two Global Village trips as a volunteer and led one team to Hungary in 2008. He enjoys the hands-on approach and really believes that a team of volunteers can make a difference. He has always loved to travel and has visited 17 countries to date. He is an engineer by profession. He was born into a large family and through participating with Global Village, his "Habitat family" keeps growing.

Anthony is excited to get an amazing group of people together to do some great work and have a fantastic trip. He chose the Philippines as soon as he knew it was listed as a Global Village participating country. He is fortunate to eat Filipino food every night, since his wife is from the Philippines. He has had the pleasure of visiting Manila, Cebu and Mindanao, but this will be his first time volunteering with Habitat in the Philippines.

If you are interested in learning more about this trip or have questions, please e-mail Anthony at antsky@alum.drexel.edu.