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Volunteer in the Philippines

Discover International Volunteer HQ’s incredible Philippines volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Philippines volunteer projects, including Teaching, Childcare and Environmental. Volunteer work in the Philippines is located in Palawan, an archipelagic province. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in the Philippines.

Highlights:
  • 4 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from CA$541 for 1 week
  • Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in dormitory-style accommodation in Palawan

  • Explore authentic Filipino culture with an optional Introduction Week add-on

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from CA$541
Volunteer from 1 - 24 weeks
Ages 16+ and families
Based in the province of Palawan
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Explore stunning beaches & islands

Volunteer opportunities in the Philippines

Increases access to education

4-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$541

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in kindergartens in Palawan
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Volunteer in kindergartens, with a focus on teaching 3-5 year olds English, math, science and arts and crafts lessons.

Supports community development

4-6 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$612

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based at schools and medical centers
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help to beautify and maintain community services such as medical centers, daycares and schools around Palawan. Volunteer under the supervision of local staff, across a number of building projects that need assistance.

Conserves the environment

4-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$541

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based on Palawan
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help to preserve and conserve the stunning natural environment around Palawan, with a focus on replanting important mangroves. Run education classes in the local community and also assist with clean up work around beaches.

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$541

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in schools on Palawan
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Teach lessons in English and other subjects in primary and secondary schools. Get the experience of leading a classroom, with the comfort of supervision from a local teacher.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

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Ella Rudico
27 Feb 2024

My journey commenced with a culturally rich and purposeful project (putting up a school fence/wall). This marked the start of a series of impactful experiences - from helping with the construction at Elementary and kindergarten schools, to conservation efforts on the Environmental project (picking seedling and planting mangroves). Over time, my volunteering focus shifted from construction to environmental, fueled by a self awareness.

Through IVHQ, I've witnessed both environmental degradation and hopeful initiatives, shaping my role as a Mother Nature advocate. As my volunteering horizon expanded, so did the meaningful connections. From like-minded volunteers turned dear friends, to the invaluable encounters with local communities, each experience enriched my life. IVHQ's safe and supportive platform enabled this transformative journey, urging me to encourage others, especially the students, and people from foreign countries to embark on this adventure of giving back while exploring the world.

IVHQ trips are a true adventure and an intimate experience. You live, you feel and you love the people and the country. The IVHQ staff become your family, the fellow volunteers become your friends. I have always been respected and treated well by all. The cook would prepare sumptuous and healthy meals in accordance with everyone's diet, and food preferences (vegan and vegetarian).

There is no age limit to volunteering, there is no limit to giving… I have found the road to a fulfilling retirement! Volunteering globally broadened my horizons and enhanced my experience. I chose IVHQ due to its stellar online reviews and easy application process. Being in the construction and environmental conservation program in the Philippines was amazing. This will surely not be the last. I have so many amazing memories of my volunteer experiences, way too many to list them all.

For anyone considering their first volunteer trip with IVHQ, Philippines I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to take the plunge! You’ll meet amazing people and create lifelong memories - you won't regret it!

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Dominic Olivo
21 Feb 2024

My wife and I volunteered with IVHQ in TIgman Village, Palawan in the Philippines and had a remarkably, impactful time. We would recommend to any honeymooners to volunteer for at least a portion of their trip as it created lasting memories, impactful experiences, and created a stronger bond between the two of us. Giving back to the country we were visiting, and assisting in healing the planet was such a great experience.

Courtney and I are vegan and so grateful for all of the options they provided to us, it was delicious!! We really appreciate it, everyone loved the food!! We will volunteer with IVHQ the next chance we get!! Next time, we will be going to South America! Thank you, IVHQ!

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Cheryl Tay
22 Dec 2023

I’ve gained a lot! I feel I’ve gained more than given this volunteering trip as I immersed so much in the Philippines culture, made many friends and bonded with the locals. The hospitality and warmth of the locals is something I’ll never forget, thank you for having me on the programme! Will be back on the same trip next year!!

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Giovanni Copia
21 Dec 2023

Joining the environmental program in Tigman, Philippines was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I was able to actually feel the impact of my actions, and spent two months immersed in an incredibly beautiful reality. Throw yourself into it since the first moment and you’ll have the best time ever!

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MF
Morgan Flanagan
15 Aug 2023

IVHQ were super helpful and responsive when I had questions regarding the program before I departed.

The local team in the Philippines were all INCREDIBLE. Super friendly and helpful. Very welcoming and made me feel at home and did an amazing job keeping our rooms all clean.

I learnt so much about the culture in the Philippines and opened my eyes to so much. I learnt so much about myself and life while doing this project. Truly life changing. Made me feel like I was making a difference in the kids lives.

The local team were so helpful and catered for my dietary needs with incredible food. The cook made amazing food, both western and local.

Overall, I think this program is so worth the money. It was the most amazing experience. I learnt and experienced so much in the 8 weeks I was in Palawan. Everyone was super helpful and helped us with everything I needed. I loved the kindergarten program with the kids, and spending time with them as well as the co-ordinators. I made some unforgettable memories. The endless efforts the staff went to to keep us comfortable. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone that is wanting to make a positive difference and learn so much about the world!

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JH
Jonathan Hausman
03 May 2023

My highlight from the volunteer experience was teaching the youth about climate change. This was a great part of our environmental project. I've worked with kids for over 20 years and I've never seen kids so welcoming, well behaved, excited and ready to learn than the groups of kids we talked to about climate change. It was incredible to feel their energy.

The local team are outstanding. Probably the best out of my four trips. We were very lucky to have them. A warm and welcoming team with experience makes all the difference. The experience was extremely humbling. Filipino people (specifically in Tigman Village) are so welcoming and friendly - it's really eye opening. There's very little stress and anxiety there. People care about and for each other and clearly show it. While the project itself was fun, the culture had the most impact on me by far. Also, we had a really great mix of other volunteers during my two weeks. That makes a huge difference, having a good group. What I would you say to someone still hesitant is all the feelings you may have are normal. Maybe a little nervous - traveling into the unknown. Try not to think about it as stepping "out of your comfort zone". Use the mindset that you're "stepping into a brand new comfort zone". Try the mentality: "I'm going to a new home" instead of "going away from home". It helps with the culture shock. Also, TRUST YOURSELF. Use your instincts as you make decisions and handle situations. You will be challenged and sometimes uncomfortable. But remember that is OKAY. You're not failing if you're uncomfortable, you're growing. Remember, the benefits of an open mind and an open heart when you do programs like this far outweigh the challenges.

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Philippines with IVHQ

Considering volunteering abroad in Philippines? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.

Free-time experiences & tours in Philippines

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Philippines! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Philippines program.

Philippines Introduction Week
Philippines Introduction Week

Introduction Week for the Philippines

CA$520
Philippines Introduction Week
Philippines Introduction Week

Introduction Week for the Philippines

CA$520

Check what's required to visit the Philippines

Other volunteer destinations in Asia

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!