AIMS trip to De La Salle University, Manila, the Philippines
As one of the ASEAN International Mobility of Students (AIMS) Campus visits, Professor Paul Bacon’s
seminar from the School of International Liberal Studies visited Manila, the Philippines. We visited The
College of Liberal Arts in De La Salle University. The students, graduates, and professors of De La Salle
University and Waseda University discussed natural disasters in the context of human security. We also
strengthened ties through social functions and an extended tour of Manila.
① HUMAN SECURITY / NATURAL DISASTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES
During our five days in Manila, we learned about
rebuilding after the typhoon in December 2013.
Moreover, we discussed natural disasters relief issues
through a panel discussion on March 10, 2014, which
also enhanced our perspective on human security and
natural disasters in the Philippines. (See the picture
taken during the panel discussion)
Graduate students from De La Salle University gave us presentations on various topics related to disasters.
These included relocation of Informal Settler Families, social memory and public policy, and civil-military relations in
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). We learned that one of the most effective ways to prepare for
future disasters is to preserve the memories of people who survived past disasters. This is also true of the Japanese
Tohoku Earthquake in March 11, 2011 which we also discussed in detail in our own class with Professor Bacon, during
which we studied his new book on human security and natural disasters. Throughout these discussions, we discovered
the various important connections between the 3/11 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and typhoons in the Philippines,
and how that could help to connect Japan and Philippines, and institutions such as Waseda and De La Salle University.
② HOW MANILA IS
People: Kind, Friendly! Make you feel like you are at home! They are open to people!
Food: Not spicy but has the value of “deep flavor”. As one of
the students mentioned, they would have the urge to add
sauce for flavor which in my opinion very delicious.
They have great Filipino food based more on fish and chicken,
so it’s a healthy diet. One of the most famous desserts in the
Philippines is Halo-Halo, which is like Japanese ice-shavings
but with a combination of other deserts such as jelly, fruit, and
ice cream.
(See picture of Halo-Halo)
Security: Still a significant gap between the rich and the poor. We were constantly warned to mind our belongings due
to the risk of bag snatchers, and not to venture out alone. Many schools, restaurants, museums, tourist sites, etc. were
guarded by security officers. De La Salle University itself has a rigorous security checkpoint at each entrance, so
student security on campus is assured.
③ DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
Students: They were all very nice to us. They took us on a
campus tour and told us about the student cultures and studies
at De La Salle University. We also went out for dinner with
them for the last two days, which meant that we were able to
interact with them. We became good friends and exchanged
contact information.
(See picture of us with De La Salle University students)
Professors: Very polite and friendly yet very expert.
They treated us to wonderful meals and events. The
students and the professors seemed to be very close.
One of the Deans of the University even had a
nickname used by the students which was “Papa bear”.
We also refer to Professor Bacon Pooh Bear, so felt
the resemblance there!
(See photo of Dean Teehankee and the Students)
Facilities: De La Salle University has very good
facilities. You can get basically anything within the campus. There were many lounges, libraries, coffee shops, etc.
Academically, the university is strong in economics and business. The classes of the College of Liberal Studies are
mostly done in English. Therefore, the students spoke English very well. There was a Japanese professor and a
Japanese department. The security of the university is strong. You need a student ID to get onto the campus, unlike
most Japanese universities.
Overall, we greatly enjoyed our stay, as well as the connections we made with De La Salle University. We would
personally recommend anyone who is planning to study in Southeast Asia to go to De La Salle University. It has the
best weather, a vibrant campus environment, and great people to support your student life. Don`t hesitate to take a leap
into adventure in the Philippines!!
(Mayuko Omura, Alyssa Hasegawa, Akari Muroi, Haruka Yoshitome, Miyuko Ashida, Keihan Saif)