Tours

During the Inaugural Symposium, the imparting of knowledge and learning to participants is put at the forefront. GRAJU 2026 participants are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in selected cultural and institutional visits. See the destinations in store below.

Quezon City Hall

On March 9, 2026, delegates will pay a short, official courtesy visit to the Mayor of Quezon City and the city government, followed by a focused showcase of Ateneo de Manila University’s AI innovations for public service—especially FASSSTER, the Ateneo’s fully in-house developed disease surveillance and outbreak analytics platform.

Quezon City Hall is the city’s main seat of government along Elliptical Road in Diliman, housing the Mayor’s Office and key departments, with the City Council based in the adjacent Legislative Wing—the epicenter of local government decisions and city service coordination.

Quezon City itself is the largest city in Metro Manila by land area (about 16,112 hectares), and hosts major academic institutions—including the Ateneo's main campus, UP Diliman and Miriam College—making it one of the country’s densest corridors of learning, research, and talent. At the same time, Quezon City governs at a massive scale, with over 3.1 million residents as of 2024 alone. In response to the pressures of rapid urbanization, disaster and climate risks, and the constant need to keep services inclusive, responsive, and transparent, the city has been pushing hard on digital governance, in which emerging AI technologies are seen to play a crucial role.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve

A family-run eco-park with hiking trails and river walk tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, near Metro Manila.

Participants will be able to choose one of these activities:

Forest Trail: A mountain hike with an easy route, medium route, and advance route. The trail winds through lush greenery, providing hikers with panoramic views of the reserve on Malvar's Peak. Trekkers will also plant a tree as their contribution to the watershed.
River Walk: A walk following the Payagwan River's course through the reserve. The trail offers picturesque views of towering trees and a wade in the gentle flow of the river, with a carabao ride to boot.

Important Reminders

The bus for Mt. Purro will depart from Novotel Manila Araneta City at 6:00am.
Recommended attire: non-slip footwear, active clothing
Breakfast and lunch will be served at Mt. Purro’s restaurant, Loli’s Kitchen
Estimated time of arrival back at Novotel Manila Araneta City will be around 3:30pm. Please remember to check out from your accommodation before the tour, or make arrangements for late check out.

*Please note that Mount Purro Nature Reserve is an optional destination for GRAJU 2026 participants.

*Cultural tour payments (USD 100) will be collected at the Help Desk on 9 March 2026 (Day 1 of GRAJU).

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Intramuros Walking and Tram Tour

Learn about the Philippine’s National Hero, Jose Rizal, visit Fort Santiago, and stand at the heart of Old Manila in the midst of its historic buildings and churches.

Behind the stone walls of Old Manila are colorful stories waiting to be told, among them: of a warrior saint, of orphan boys saving 20,000 people, and of Chinese lions who seem to have lost their way. Relive these narratives, as we journey through Intramuros and related historical sites.

Visit the Rizal Monument at Luneta Park, walk the hallowed dungeons of Fort Santiago, learn about the tragic effects of the Battle of Manila, and step into San Agustin Church which is the oldest colonial church in the city, having survived the bombing during WW2. Glimpse affluent life during the Spanish times at the ‘living museum’ of Casa Manila, and end the tour at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant.

*Please note that Mount Purro Nature Reserve is an optional destination for GRAJU 2026 participants.

*Cultural tour payments (USD 100) will be collected at the Help Desk on 9 March 2026 (Day 1 of GRAJU).

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