The program orientation is held every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Palawan on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) between 10am and 5pm. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarised letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Tigman Village. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are travelling in the Philippines prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Puerto Princesa on the day before your program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in the Philippines. The first option is a one-day orientation that begins on your selected start date, which all volunteers will attend. This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in the Philippines, including an introduction to the IVHQ Philippines program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the projects, take a walking tour of the local area and arrange your sim card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
The second option is an Introduction Week, hosted by our Philippines team in Palawan. The Introduction Week begins on your selected start date and your volunteer program will commence the following week. The Introduction Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers and we recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week, as you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino culture, a true appreciation of life in the Philippines and bond with your fellow volunteers. Plus, it’s a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in the Philippines. Introduction Week in the Philippines does incur an additional US$20 surcharge to cover the additional costs.
If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate your interest in this option on your application form when you apply for the program or you can let your Program Manager know once you’ve been accepted on the program.
The Introduction Week schedule is outlined below:
Monday: Start off with an introduction to the Philippines program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, learn about the local projects, take a walking tour of the local area, and arrange your sim card |
Tuesday: In the morning, take a tour of a local farm to gain an insight into local agriculture. After lunch, take part in a Filipino craft workshop, either weaving coconut leaves or making a local broom, and finish the day off with a Filipino cooking class |
Wednesday: Visit downtown Puerto Princesa with a trip to the famous local church and memorial park. After lunch in Puerto Princesa, visit the Palawan Museum, followed by some shopping at the local mall |
Thursday: Volunteers meet to discuss their upcoming volunteer placements and receive the placement-specific orientation |
Friday: You will have the opportunity to spend time volunteering on your placement to help your prepare for the upcoming week |
Please note, this schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on the needs of the project, local and weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.