From August 24 to 30, 2025, the original study abroad program “HaKaSe⁺ Global Camp in the Philippines 2025” was successfully conducted. This program was designed to provide selected HaKaSe⁺ students with opportunities to broaden their perspectives and develop international awareness through training at globally recognized institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It also aimed to encourage participants to consider their future career paths as doctoral talents working on the global stage. The program was made possible thanks to the involvement of Professor Atsuro Tsutsumi, Coordinator (Regional Advisor) for Mental Health and Substance Use at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) and a faculty member of our university (currently on leave).

Ten students selected for WISE Program for Nano-Precision Medicine, Science, and Technology (HaKaSe⁺ for WISE) and SPRING Project for Doctoral Talents in Creating Novel Values (HaKaSe⁺ for SPRING) participated in the camp. They came from diverse fields including humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, and medical and health sciences, with four of them being international students.

During the camp, students learned from experts at each institution about the current state and challenges of public health and education in the Western Pacific region and the Philippines. At UNICEF, issues such as low learning achievement among children were discussed, with contributing factors including instruction in non-native official languages, teacher shortage, and frequent school closures. At the WHO Representative Office for the Philippines, the importance of preparedness and response to health emergencies such as infectious diseases, as well as the need for region-specific strategies, was emphasized. The WPRO addressed the societal impact of mental health disorders, the importance of mental health system development, and disparities in access and quality of services across countries and regions. JICA introduced its ODA initiatives, highlighting collaboration with the private sector and a focus on technology transfer and human resource development.

All lectures were conducted in English, with active discussions taking place between the multinational lecturers and students. These discussions provided valuable opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding from the perspective of their respective fields and to enhance their communication skills. Lecturers also shared insights into career paths and working environments at international organizations, inspiring students to expand their future aspirations globally.

In addition, the group visited Muntinlupa City in Metro Manila, where they observed a meeting of the League of Persons with Disability Affairs Officers in the National Capital Region and toured a palliative care clinic and a shelter for the elderly. Students were deeply impressed by the dedication of local staff working to improve the quality of life for citizens despite limited resources.

Experiencing different cultures and values was another key objective of this camp. Participants visited cultural landmarks such as Rizal Park, which honors the national hero José Rizal, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Agustin Church. The stay offered many cultural insights, including observations of daily life in the Philippines that differ from those in Japan. The students also enjoyed meaningful exchanges with one another, transcending differences in academic disciplines, languages, and cultures, and enriching their learning through mutual inspiration.