Written by: Emilia

Edited by: Noah

Graphic by: Bea

As a significant aspect of the ISM experience and a fun-filled time, ICARE is something a majority of high school students look forward to during the first semester of the school year. 

Right before the start of the winter break, HS students participate in a week-long service trip, contributing to various communities across the Philippines. The International Community Actively Responding to the Environment (ICARE) has both metro and provincial sites, giving students an option between physically staying at a community for a week or interacting with a service partner within Metro Manila. 

Started in 1995 as a Philippine history class project by alumni Vicky Huang, the concept of ICARE was born. With the help of her classmates Corazon Valles and Nanette Nadora, they pitched the idea to the school and were able to help extend community service to ISM’s high school community. It began to provide ISM students an opportunity to serve Filipino communities and immerse themselves in these communities. 31 years later, its beginning foundation still stands strongly. 

The original ICARE notably differs from what it is today. In its founding days, students had to pay to participate, with costs varying depending on the site’s location—provincial sites usually cost more than metro ones. Over time, ICARE developed into an option as an IB CAS Project, structured around the five CAS stages: investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration. Each year, the ISM administration brings minor changes to improve the experience for both service partners and students. From shifting ICARE dates from February to December to introducing ICARE patches in 2014, these developments have shaped ICARE into our current program.   

Since its inception, ICARE has been an integral part of the ISM experience. Mr. Woods, the CAS & Activities Coordinator, explains, “We’re a bubble within a bubble. BGC is lovely, it is [in] the Philippines, but it’s not like most of the Philippines. And I think whether we’re here for a short time or a long time, you need to understand the country.” He also notes that ICARE allows service partners to voice their needs while the student body stands by them and formulates service-oriented solutions. As an international school, we have the resources to help—service is an outlet to support the local community. This spirit of partnership and responsibility is what makes ICARE such a vital part of the ISM experience. 

The ICARE selection process uses a digital algorithm to randomly assign 800+ HS students to more than 30 different sites. The randomization encourages interbatch cooperation and collaboration during ICARE. Meanwhile, administrators are tasked with selecting the sites for the year. With 15 metro and 16 provincial sites this year, one might wonder how these locations are chosen. 

ICARE sites are continually added or removed from the catalog each year, based on site conditions or feedback from students and chaperones. Mr. Woods explains, “We rely heavily on feedback. At the end of ICARE, [the students] give all [their feedback], some of that stuff you can’t respond to and other stuff you can. We’re not sending people out to fancy hotels and the food can be basic but we really listen to the chaperones [and] students.” He adds that even though a site may not continue for one year, the CAS Office constantly looks for other possible sites as a replacement.

This year, one new metro site and three new provincial sites were introduced, with various factors considered in the selection process. Mr. Woods explains that the admin tries to keep sites as close as possible, especially after the pandemic, limiting travel to a maximum of 5-6 hours from Manila. He also highlights the importance of variety:  “What is the range of different experiences that we have? Sometimes these […] priorities come up and we might want to look at particular sites.”The different sites aim to provide a wide range of experiences, not just comparability. As such, these various priorities mentioned guide the admin’s choices when selecting ICARE sites annually. 

One of ICARE’s most popular provincial sites, La Union, a beach site focusing on plastic waste and marine animals, was notably absent from the site catalog this year. “It outpriced itself. The prices just went through the roof,” Mr. Woods explains. He adds that because of the high prices offered to the school, it was not feasible to include it as an ICARE site anymore. He further elaborates, “The price they were charging was almost double the next [highest] site… They priced themselves out of the market… We would’ve worked with them and we will work with them again but there is a budget.” Even if there is a possibility to have La Union as a site again, distance, price, and other factors are carefully considered when adding new ICARE sites. 

All ICARE sites undergo thorough safety vetting, including a security inspection to ensure each location is low-risk and the surrounding area is safe. Moreover, teachers and chaperones conduct risk assessments, including first aid training and emergency preparedness protocols. These measures work together to ensure that ICARE remains a safe and secure experience for all participants. 

ICARE is more than just a service trip—it is a transformative experience. Since its start 31 years ago, it has brought together different parts of the ISM community, fostering connection and collaboration. Initially launched to provide students with service opportunities in areas like education and environmental conservation, ICARE allows every participant to contribute in meaningful ways. The week-long time you spend with your ICARE group will change your perspective and shape who you are. Words cannot fully capture the experience, so, Bearcats, get ready for an unforgettable ICARE this December!