The Program for Intercultural Learning and Leadership (PILL), a domestic student exchange program funded by the US Embassy in Manila under the 2005 Small Grants Program, was implemented by AFS Philippines last January 26 to February 8, 2008. It is intended for thirty (30) third and fourth year high school students, who have the potential to be agents for change in their respective communities.

The PILL, being the first domestic student exchange program in the country, is a ground-breaking project, which required the active participation and support from the government- Department of Education, cities and municipalities, and from the private sector- host families and other individual volunteers.

Under this program, the student participants lived with host families and attended high schools in Makati City for one week. They also participated in seminar-workshops on Communication Skills, Leadership and Entrepreneurship. In addition, they joined educational tours around Metro Manila, visiting historical places such as Luneta Park and Fort Santiago and key government offices such as Malacañang Palace and the House of Representatives.

PILL aims to promote understanding and friendship through intercultural learning. The student participants came from different tribal groups in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Mindanao, who have never been to Manila before the start of the exchange. Thus, the experience of living in another family in another part of the country that they have never been before, and being treated as a member of that family facilitated acceptance and respect for cultural differences. This also developed long-lasting bonds of friendship among the students, their host families, and their classmates in their host schools.

On the other hand, the seminar-workshops undergone by the students prepared them for active participation in community activities and promoted community service and volunteerism. As future leaders of the country, these trainings encouraged and inspired the students to work hard with the vision of building the spirit of nationhood, advancing economic growth and creating a lasting peace in the Philippines.