Introduction:
Paraluman is the Filipino term for a compass. Being a symbol for guidance, this five-day module aims to function as a compass to overseas youth being confused with their identities and are looking for a unique experience to shape them as socially responsible citizens. Paraluman points you to the right direction to rediscover yourself as a Filipino, and at the same time, exposes you to the simple way of living and lets you appreciate nature. This module also aspires to empower the youth, the younger members of the community, who have important roles to play in the country’s progress.
The Paraluman Module focuses on environmental awareness and immersion with an indigenous community in Zambales, with activities that involve learning about the Philippine history, language, identity, youth leadership and empowerment.
Itinerary
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
| Day 1 (Opening Ceremonies) | |
| 08:00 am – 09:00 am | Registration |
| 09:00 am – 10:00 am | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Basic Conversational Filipino Workshop |
| 01:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lecture on Third Culture Kids |
| 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | Talk on Youth Leadership and Empowerment |
| Day 2 (Communing with Nature) | |
| 08:30 am – 12:00 pm | Experiential Farm Tour at Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm |
| 01:00 pm – 04:00 pm | Travel from Bulacan to Zambales |
| Day 3 (Immersion with Indigenous Community) | |
| 07:00 am – 09:00 am | Travel to Yangil Village |
| 09:00 am – 11:30am | Introduction to Aeta culture, Village Tour |
| 01:00 pm – 04:00pm | Tree-planting and gift giving activity |
| 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm | Dinner with Chieftain Iking |
| Day 4 (Culmination and Free Time) | |
| 09:00 am – 12:00 pm | Culmination Activity and Free Time |
| 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm | Travel back to Manila |
| Day 5 (History and Culture) | |
| 10:00 am – 12:30 nn | Bambike Tour of Intramuros |
| 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm | Closing Ceremonies |
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MODULE
1. How is YouLeaD conducted?
The program is structured to enable the participants to learn through classroom and on-site lectures, tours, workshops, and dialogues. It features lectures and workshops on the Philippine history, geography, and culture; guided tours to historical landmarks; interaction with Filipino students, members of indigenous communities, and government officials and community leaders; as well as participation in traditional rites and festivals.
2. What are the qualifications of an interested participant?
The program is open to all Filipinos or of Filipino descent abroad who are 15 to 30 years old youth with Filipino ancestry or anyone who would like to learn more about the Philippines.
3. How can I join the program or a particular module?
We implement the modules for a group minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 people. Interested participants will be required to submit the duly accomplished information sheet, parental consent, and medical authorization and waiver that can be downloaded in the Register menu tab. However, if you are an individual interested to participate in future or ongoing modules, you may email us at youlead@cfo.gov.ph.
4. What if we want to create a new itinerary?
Program modules may be developed by interested groups in consideration of their interests and availability. The CFO can also customize a program and module according to a particular group’s reference/ interest and budget considerations. The cost will depend on the venue of the tour and may subject to change depending on the length of tour (number of days) and number of participants.
5. Where should I pay the program fee?
Payment can be sent through bank remittance to the following account:
Account Name: Commission on Filipinos Overseas
Account Number: 0405-027536-080
Swift Code: DBPHPHMM
Bank Branch: Development Bank of the Philippines-Main
6. Where are the drop off and pick up points of the participants?
The default drop off and pick up point on day 1 and day 5 is at the CFO. Should the itinerary be revised, all participants will be advised.
7. Are transportation expenses included in the program fee?
Yes, all local transportation fees will be covered by the program fee. International airfare, however, is not included.
8. Any contact person to whom my parents/guardian can contact in case of emergency during the entire program?
Contact details of a CFO/YouLeaD Secretariat staff assigned to the group will be provided before the start of the program.
9. Any personal items I need to pack for the whole duration? I am not sure what to expect on those days.
Kindly click on the attire and things to bring for more information.
• On Monday and Friday afternoon, during the opening and closing ceremonies, please avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops and slippers.
• We will be walking in ash, sand, pebbles, and crossing rivers so expect your footwear to get wet! Trekking shoes/sandals are encouraged but flip flops work, too! We don’t recommend wearing your rubber shoes because they might get destroyed.
• Wear comfortable trekking clothes or swimwear! We’ll be taking a break by the river, swimming at the fishpond behind the village on Wednesday and having a free time by the beach on Thursday.
• Also, bring a jacket as it may be cold in the night.
1. Padlock for the locker in our accommodation
2. Tumbler
3. Cap/Hat/Umbrella
4. Tissue / Personal Medicine
5. Drybag/plastic for your gadgets
6. Toiletries
7. Small bag where you can place your valuables and to take with you wherever you go (optional)
8. Fan (it might be hot)
9. Sunblock and mosquito repellent lotion
10. Swimwear
11. Trekking shoes/slippers
12. Clothes
13. Undergarments
14. Face towel/handkerchief
15. Camera/video cam/cellphone/power bank/charger (please take extra care with all your valuables if you would be bringing these)
16. Money/Wallet
17. ID
$250-$300
The rate is inclusive of food, hotel accommodation, tour fees, local transportation, training materials, and insurance during the 5-day program. International airfare from the home country to the Philippines is not included.