I’ve gained a lot of self confidence during this trip. I would advise someone who is hesitant to just do it! Be brave! I felt the most anxiety I’ve ever felt when I got to the airport before I left, but the whole trip was a great experience. Solo travelling is not as scary as it seems and you’ll feel so proud of yourself for achieving a personal goal.
The trip highlights were the friendships I made! I loved seeing a part of the world that isn’t travelled to and see an authentic side the Philippines.
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, Construction and Renovation, Healthcare, and Environmental Conservation. Volunteer work in the Philippines is located in Palawan, an archipelagic province. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 144,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in the Philippines.
Highlights:
- 5 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from CA$576 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in dormitory-style accommodation in Palawan
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Explore authentic Filipino culture with an optional Introduction Week add-on
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in the Philippines
Increases access to education
4-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$576
- 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 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$650
- 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$576
- 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.
Improves health & wellbeing
Up to 5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$576
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in community care facilities in Palawan
- Volunteers aged 16+
Contribute to the improvement of healthcare in Aborlan by educating the local community on essential healthcare topics and by assisting at an underresourced Rural Health Clinic.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$576
- 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
I would like to be a teacher and I am going to study this at uni next year, so this was an amazing experience for me to get stuck in and have a taster of what I am going to be doing. I gained so much confidence in the classroom as the teachers gave us the freedom to teach the class ourselves, and I found the best part was to be able help the children that needed extra help, as I did when I was in school. The lesson planning ensured I was disciplined and I am glad we didn’t just get given a plan, but we had to create them ourselves; making our own powerpoints and worksheets made the experience much more valuable for me as I had to learn new skills and it allowed me to understand what I was teaching more thoroughly.
Advice: You have to remember that being an effective volunteer isn't easy, and there can be times which make you question the effectiveness of your work, however, if you remain patient and motivated you will make a difference! Be open to the new culture and cuisine, trying your best to learn more about it from the local people, and you will have a much more enjoyable time than if you’re closed minded.
I didn't have big expectations going into this program, in the sense that I knew that I wouldn't change the world in such a short time. I wanted to explore a new part of the world and immerse myself in a different culture, keeping my heart open to anything new. What I didn't expect was to gain such an incredible new way of seeing and understanding the world and myself.
My advice for anyone who wants to do a volunteer programme would be to trust yourself and throw yourself into the deep water, as you will most likely find amazing new friends and new experiences you never even thought of, and coming out of it, hopefully, you will realise you are a different and better person than before.
I loved the fact that I got to do a bit of extra work outside of my program, which was doing a bit of disaster relief for the impacted community when Typhoon Yagi hit the Philippines. Palawan wasn't too badly affected, but there was a tree down on a family's home in which my group kindly assisted.
It was the best experience for my first time travelling. This is because I feel like I've made an impact on the community, made friends, had valuable experiences, instead of travelling just for the sake of being a "tourist" and going "sight-seeing". The only small regret I have was having the attitude of "trying it out" and only staying for 1 week. But even though my time was short, my foundation for future travel and volunteering seems pretty stable, learning many lessons for my next trip.
I've learned new things about a different culture, including a few basic phrases in Tagalog. I've also learned and developed new skills like planting mangroves and working with pupils whose first language isn't English. I would encourage anyone to volunteer in the Philippines for a few weeks, it is totally worth it.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Philippines
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Philippines program.
Enjoy a stress free ride from the accommodation back to Puerto Princesa International Airport arranged by our local team.
Introduction Week for the Philippines
Upgrade to a self-contained private cabin
Enjoy a stress free ride from the accommodation back to Puerto Princesa International Airport arranged by our local team.
Introduction Week for the Philippines
Upgrade to a self-contained private cabin