Having spent the past three months in Newham, East London for the 1st part of the Xchange, the Filipino GX volunteers are now back with their British counterparts for the 2nd Phase of the programme in Iligan City,  Mindanao.

The GX Volunteers met with their volunteer placements and host homes during a community welcome held last 18 June at the Mindanao State University (MSU) – Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT) covered courts. The welcoming committee headed by MSU-IIT Chancellor Marcelo P. Salazar showcased a variety of cultural presentations to welcome the group, and gave them helpful information about the city where the volunteers will be staying for the next three months.

Nannette Mercado, Assistant Director Programmes mentioned that Iligan was specifically chosen for the 2nd phase of the Xchange so the volunteers could have a genuine grassroots environment in a developing country setting and further enhance their knowledge and experience around Peace and Development, which is the overarching theme for the Philippine Xchange.

Iligan City hosts a good network of NGOs working on peace-oriented issues, poverty, and the environment whose movements are spurred by community volunteering. Its strategic location makes it conducive for learning in these areas. The city is highly industrial but is also blessed with rich natural resources. More importantly, it is also where a mix of cultures converge – from the Maranaos of Lanao del Sur, Higaonons of Bukidnon, and many settlers and migrants from other parts of the country. This setting complements the Global Xchange’s objective to help develop active global citizens who can advocate for greater equity between people, promote understanding, and play a constructive role in their own communities through their experience.

Members of the Iligan City Council, VSO Philippines, VSO Bahaginan, and Globe Telecoms were also present in the event.