Eco-Cultural Camp in Mt. Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu
Code: e0418adf-3666-11f0-b4a5-fa163ef8d720 Copied
About the project
Eco-Cultural Camp in Mt. Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Global Initiative for Exchange and Development Inc. (GIED) is a non-profit, non-government organization established on July 07, 2015, in Cebu City, Philippines. GIED aims to promote people's participation through volunteerism and the empowerment of local communities for sustainable development.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
VISION: A leader in global intercultural exchange and mentor of voluntary work for sustainable development.
MISSION:
- Promote international voluntary service and exchange
- Develop globally competitive training and learner-centered capacity-building programs
- Build linkages between and among development organizations, both public and private
- Support social entrepreneurship and global citizenship initiatives
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THREE-POINT AGENDA (Programs):
- Global Citizenship and Volunteer Service Exchange
- Global Education, Service Training, and Capacity Building
- Global Social Development Initiatives with Partner Communities
💼 What the programme involves
The Eco-Cultural Camp is a dynamic and hands-on initiative that brings together young people to actively participate in environmental preservation, sustainable agriculture, cultural engagement, and leadership development. This camp will be held at the Mount Manunggal National Park Balamban Cebu—an ideal setting surrounded by nature and rooted in a long-standing tradition of youth formation and community-building.
The core of the work camp focuses on preserving the natural environment through practical eco-friendly activities, such as trail cleanups, tree planting, and conservation awareness sessions. In addition, participants will engage in agricultural work, including the planting and nurturing of fruits and vegetables within the accommodation grounds and nearby communities. These activities aim to promote sustainable farming practices and reconnect the youth with the land.
Alongside environmental efforts, the camp also encourages cultural exchange and identity-building through collaboration with local youth associations. Participants will join in cultural activities, traditional art workshops, and community storytelling to deepen their appreciation for local heritage. The program also includes leadership training sessions, equipping the youth with essential skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project planning—tools they can bring back to their own communities.
Overall, the Eco-Cultural Camp seeks to create a well-rounded and impactful experience where young individuals can grow as responsible stewards of nature, active cultural participants, and emerging leaders of positive change.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This project aims to: Bring young people together for hands-on agricultural, environmental and cultural activities. Focus on forest preservation through tree planting, trail cleanups and eco-friendly practices. Teach sustainable farming by growing fruits and vegetables. Foster cultural exchange by engaging with local traditions and heritage. Provide leadership training in skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Help young people become responsible leaders for positive change in their communities.
🏠 Accommodation on site
The participants will be mainly accommodated at the Baltazar training center and Manunggal’s. It is built of concrete materials and with basic facilities. Personal sleeping bags/blankets and pillows are needed.
🍲 Food
Food will be prepared by everyone. The participants are encouraged to assist in the preparation of the meals. Filipino food would be mostly served during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
📍 About the location
This organization has successfully collaborated with two municipalities, Asturias and Balamban, to create a meaningful impact in the community. The Mount Manunggal National Park serves as the central hub where youth from both municipalities gather for training, focusing on developing their leadership skills. The association, known as the Empowered Youth of Balamban (EYB), is made up of over 40 youth members who are actively engaged in fostering environmental stewardship and improving everyone's well-being. Recognized by the Local Government Unit (LGU), this vibrant and dynamic group has been active since 2023 and continues to grow.
EYB operates with a structured organizational system, with trained facilitators and leaders, many of whom are alumni of other youth associations. Members participate in workshops, leadership training, and skill-building activities, all aimed at enhancing their abilities to lead and make a difference in their communities. One of the association's primary focuses is environmental preservation. EYB is dedicated to maintaining and improving the green spaces within Cebu province. Although their roots are in Asturias and Balamban, their efforts extend beyond these areas, reaching a provincial level as they actively participate in various environmental initiatives.
In addition to their environmental work, EYB members, many of whom are high school and university students, are also involved in cultural programs, gardening projects, and leadership training activities in schools. These initiatives are designed not only to foster personal growth but also to share valuable skills and knowledge with younger students, ensuring that the next generation is empowered and inspired.
🎒 Leisure activities
Going around the local village
Nature lovers have many options to do things like nature walking, hiking, swimming in cold springs and rivers, and/or visiting churches and local heritage sites. Swimming in the sea is also possible in the next town
⚠️ Requirements
For Participants: Sleeping bags/blankets, towels, toiletries, toilet paper, personal medicines, comfortable light clothes, swimwear, aqua shoes/sleepers, working gloves, comfort food, small flag of country, etc.
Optional (esp. for International Volunteers):
- May bring local snacks/food, souvenirs, etc. for sharing with participants/locals
- May donate agricultural tools, 2nd-hand clothes, shoes, toys, educational supplies, art/educational materials, sports equipment, if you like, to local children/youth
🤝 Meeting point
A. Meet-up at the GIED office from 10:00 AM
- by 11:00 AM, travel from Cebu City to Mount Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu.
B. For participants who will arrive later, may proceed to:
- Ayala PUV/Van Terminal, take a Van-for-Hire from Cebu City to Balamban, and alight at the highway leading to Mt. Manunggal, National Park. From the Balamban Highway or Balamban Bus station, they may hire a public motor vehicle to go to the residence of Mr. Baltazar 'Baltz’ Tribunalo Jr.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For international participants arriving earlier and or staying longer before and or after the camp, they may stay at the YMCA hostel located across from the GIED office. The rate per person is from Php 450-900, depending on the type of accommodation. Reach out to the GIED Workcamp Coordinator via WhatsApp to check availability or request for reservation of the room/s at least one week before the official start of the Workcamp.
ℹ️ Additional information
Other facilities in Accommodation & working place:
- The location has nice natural places for organizing outdoor activities like sports and fun games with kids and young people.
- Limited WIFI connection is available in the community, mobile data connection has limited accessibility.
- Volunteers may access wifi facilities mostly in the town proper only.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Participation and Fees:
Partial participation in the work camp is possible:
- Half participation (6 Days) fee: Euro 200
*Include: Roundtrip local transportation from Cebu City to campsite
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📷 Project photos
📅 Available sessions
GIEDWC-202505
11/08/2025 at 10:00 → 22/08/2025 at 13:00
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
280.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Balamban, Cebu, Philippines
Philippines
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Philippines Peso (PHP / ₱)
Exchange rate
1 PHP = 0.014174 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Philippine Standard Time
Local time: 22:04 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken