Background

Through centuries of exploitation by colonial rulers and the local elite, the Filipino people have developed a tradition of struggle for justice, genuine freedom and self-determination. There is a vibrant popular movement composed of women, farmers, the church, gays and lesbians, workers, indigenous peoples and more. Just last January 2001, this movement brought the fall of the corrupt Estrada regime. As residents of the US, we have a lot to learn from the Filipino people. We can learn about our history, about what the US troops are currently doing in the Philippines and how the Filipino people are resisting, and about the energy released by a people united in struggle for their own freedom.

Overview

The goals of the program are:

1. To allow participants the chance to explore the realities of Philippine society that are not reported in the mainstream media or taught in our schools;
2. To allow participants the opportunity to integrate with Filipinos in the basic sectors of society, and to see and understand life in the Philippines as most Filipinos live it;
3. To forge people-to-people ties that will strengthen international solidarity for justice and social change.

Some Activities of the Reality Tour

• Experience Manila's various forms of transportation such as the jeepney, tricycle, railroad push carts, raised rail transit, etc.
• Visit student and youth movement leaders from organizations such as League of Filipino Students, Student Christian Movement and Anakbayan
• Visit the national women's organization, GABRIELA
• Meet with labor organizers from the May First Movement (KMU) and visit workers at a picket line and in their community
• Spend a few days in a peasant community and meet with peasant organizers from the Peasant Movement of the Philippines (KMP)
• Tour the areas of the reactivated US military bases
• Spend a few days enjoying the beautiful beaches and rich natural environment

Types of Trips:

NISPOP facilitates three kinds of trips to the Philippines. All trips are hosted in the Philippines by Filipino people’s organizations. They are experienced in hosting foreign visitors and will adjust your program to fit your interests as best possible.

1) NISPOP Reality Tour:

Go with a group of 2-10 participants for a two-week or a three-week tour. Participants are people of all ages and backgrounds who are usually new to the Philippines. The group divides up for some excursions based on participants’ interests. Participants gather to share and process their experiences. NISPOP organizes this type of trip as we are able. The last trips were in August 2004 and July 2002.

Please call or email NISPOP if you are interested (212-561-1567; nispop@nispop.org)

2) International Delegations:

There are several international delegations every year, generally lasting one week, that are hosted by Filipino people’s organizations. These include:

• Cordillera People’s Day (April): A trip to Northen Luzon to attend an indigenous people’s conference. Hosted by the Cordillera People’s Alliance
• Workers’ International Solidarity Affair (late April-May): Visit workers in the workplace, union office and picketlines in various regions of the Philippines. Attend a conference in the Manila area with trade unionists from around the world. Hosted by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement) Labor Center
• International Solidarity Mission (August 13-20, 2005): Participants will visit one of five major provinces in the Philippines and will talk with members of the community and investigate recent incidents of human rights abuses.

3) Design Your Own Trip:

If you plan to go to the Philippines at a time other than the above, NISPOP may be able to help you connect with organizations working with sectors that interest you such as women, farmers, the church, gays and lesbians, workers, indigenous peoples, cultural workers, health workers, Moro/Muslim, environment, teachers and more. Please call NISPOP (212-561-1567) to discuss and explore possibilities for your trip.

Approximate Costs

• Airfare from NYC, roundtrip - $900-$1,100 depending on the time of year
• Accomodations, food and travel within the Philippines, and donations to host organizations:
  about $125/ week
• Therefore, a two week stay will cost approximately $1,350 with $125 for each additional week.

Financing Your Trip

NISPOP helps members raise funds for their trip. In May 2004 we held a Walk-a-Thon from Jersey City to Queens to raise money. We also offer advice and resources to help you solicit donations from friends, relatives and colleagues. On occasion, NISPOP has some scholarship funds available. Please talk to us about exploring ways to fund your trip. (nispop@nispop.org; 212-561-1567)

"Integrating with peasants in the Philippines allowed me to see and understand how life is experienced, not only by Filipino people, but by the majority of people in the world. I met so many Filipino activists who have made intentional sacrifices to struggle for a more just society. I gained a completely new perspective on my life in the US."

-experience of a recent integration participant

Who should apply?

Anyone who is interested in learning from the Filipino people about their lives and struggles.

How do I apply?

Feel free to call or write to NISPOP if you have any questions about the trip or would like to discuss your plans to visit the Philippines.

Letters from Participants

From the Cordilleras: September 2005, Terri Nilliasca

Network in Solidarity with the People of the Philippines (NISPOP)
PO Box 721340
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
212-561-1567
nispop@nispop.org
www.nispop.org