Philippines

April 19-25, 2026

A Filipina woman holds a handful of tomatoes and okra.
CARE Journeys

Join CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, on a learning journey with Dr. Deepmala Mahla, CARE’s Chief Humanitarian Officer.

Reserve your spot

To reserve a space or learn more, please email us at travelwithcare@care.org.

Space is limited, so please let us know soon if you’d like to join us. Registration is based on availability and limited to 8-10 participants.

RSVP deadline is Friday, January 30, 2026.

Email us now

Why the Philippines?

The Philippines is located in one of the world’s most hazard-prone regions. Amid recurring climate crises, Filipino communities demonstrate extraordinary strength and ingenuity. Together, we will explore locally led programs that prepare for and respond to disasters, champion women-led recovery, and build a more secure future.

Dates: April 19-25, 2026

Price: $10,000 per person

Dr. Deepmala Mahla headshot

CARE trip host

Dr. Deepmala Mahla is a seasoned humanitarian and development leader with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Mahla currently serves as CARE’s Chief Humanitarian Officer, leading global humanitarian response efforts that reached 21.85 million people across 53 countries last year. Prior to that, she served as Country Director in Iraq and South Sudan with Mercy Corps and in Uganda with Marie Stopes International. She has also held senior leadership
positions in Yemen, the UK, Indonesia, and India while working with Oxfam GB, CARE, International Center for Research on Women, International HIV/AIDS Alliance, and UNICEF.

Dr. Mahla has spent two decades designing and implementing humanitarian and development programs in some of the most complex and fragile environments from the Middle East to Africa to Asia. She is a strong humanitarian voice, actively advocating for vulnerable communities and the protection of aid workers. Her leadership in program strategy and execution has been central to CARE’s global impact. In addition to her first degree in History, Economics, and Philosophy, Dr. Mahla holds an MA in Anthropology and PhD in reproductive health of women in rural Rajasthan.

Program visit highlights

Farmer Field Business School: Building resilient fisheries

In Palawan, CARE is piloting training to help local fishers adapt to environmental change, make a sustainable living, and increase their income. This womencentered approach connects communities to markets, strengthens engagement with the local government, and promotes eco-friendly practices. During your visit, you’ll see demonstration farms, join a village savings group meeting, and meet women leaders transforming agriculture and fisheries-based economies.

BRIDGE Project: Promoting a culture of peace in Mindanao

The BRIDGE Project works with Moro and Lumad communities in Mindanao to reduce the drivers of conflict and violence. By strengthening women’s, youth, and civil society leadership, the project promotes inclusive peacebuilding, preserves cultural traditions, and integrates peace education into schools. On this journey, you’ll meet local leaders, visit schools to see peace education in action, and learn how cultural traditions are sustaining peace.
Trip excursion

El Nido, Palawan highlight

Featuring towering limestone cliffs, jade-green waters, secret lagoons, white-sand beaches, and coral-rich islands, El Nido is one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking seascapes.

Learn more about El Nido

Accommodations

  • Manila: Makati Shangri-La
  • Palawan: Seda Lio

What’s included

  • In-country transportation
  • Accommodations and meals
  • Cultural visits and excursions
  • Interpreter and English-speaking tour leader
  • Gratuities
  • Access to CARE Philippines program leadership and on-the-ground experts
  • Pre-departure learning materials, including suggested readings and travel information

 

Please note: Pricing does not include personal travel expenses, including international flights, insurance, or additional hotel services.

For questions and to register, email us at travelwithcare@care.org.

Download the Itinerary

Download our PDF invite for more details on our itinerary's programs visits, cultural, and natural highlights, as well as what's included in the trip's cost.

Learn more