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Frequently
Asked Questions
Photo: Jason Tengco © 2007
What is the purpose of YTRiP?
The end goal of the org is to get Filipinos to love, value, and support the country (place, people, products, and natural/cultural heritage). For us, the best way to discover that is through travel. The org aims to enable travel as well as change mindsets through experiential learning and having proper information.
Why Travel and Tourism as areas for advocacy?
Local travel can negate fragmentation as well as inspire a search for the national character; it provides an entirely new worldview relevant to individuals and enriches means of understanding. In the end, a growing concern and interest in cultural and environmental heritage will develop into concern about the nation.
In addition, the “travel” side of our organization does not just rest on physical movement but also in raising interest in culture and heritage – mostly associated when tripping around the country – and bringing it to armchair travel and classroom learning.
On top of all of these, when one is able to bear a sense of national identity, it not only accepts the existence and interest in others but also enables one to go around other places, see other cultures and appreciate their significance.
Doesn’t tourism result to environmental and cultural
harm?
We highlight the good side of tourism in supporting communities and culture as well as its beneficial economic impact on local economies. Our way of travel and learning goes against the commodifying features of tourism and in effect, breeds a generation of responsible and responsive Filipinos.
Also, travel compels one to enjoy what is available and seek ways to ensure that environmental and cultural riches would remain sustained so “our kids” can experience the same. It generates social responsibility and concern.
As much as tourism has its negative side, YTRiP mobilizes to let people put their social and economic power to good use – and in effect, have more purposeful experiences. Hence, tourism becomes an attitude and not an end goal.
How can I be part of YTRiP?
There are three ways: you can be a SUPPORTER, a MEMBER, or a VOLUNTEER.
See our Membership and Volunteer Program here. You can also check out our HOW TO HELP section.
What about Filipinos born and raised abroad?
We highly encourage second- and third-generation Pinoys to come over and when they do, to travel beyond their parents' hometowns. There is much to see and more to discover beyond adobo and sinigang.
Email youthtrip@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer with us during your stay, or if you just have basic questions on where to go, what to do, and how. Our Resources section may also be of great help.
How about Filipinos who migrate abroad or want to leave
the country?
We won’t complain and we won’t mind. It is their decision. What we ask though is for them not to forget their roots. We encourage OFWs and migrants to travel domestic as Balikbayans, still teach and use Pinoy values, and be proud of where they are from no matter what the circumstances.
It would also be great if they can get their neighbors, colleagues and foreign relatives to travel to the Philippines to experience our beautiful heritage.
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