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Overview of Volunteer Programs in the Philippines

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands with less than a third being inhabited. The islands are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It is the 7th most populated country in Asia and the 12th most in the world.

As a newly industrialized country, the Philippine economy which was once founded upon its agriculture is now moving towards an economy based on services and manufacturing.

It is unsurprising that the Philippines attracts tourists due to its incredibly rich biodiversity found across its islands. The mountains, rainforests and diving spots as well as its impressive cultural heritage all add to the reasons why the Philippines is such an incredible place to experience.

WHY VOLUNTEER IN THE PHILIPPINES

Volunteering in the Philippines unveils a captivating fusion of service and cultural immersion, where your efforts contribute to the vibrant tapestry of local communities. Imagine collaborating with resilient coastal villagers to rebuild after a typhoon, then sharing laughter and stories over a traditional boodle fight feast. This archipelago nation offers a chance to empower grassroots initiatives, from sustainable farming in the Cordilleras to supporting indigenous crafts in Mindanao. As you plant the seeds of change, you’ll find yourself woven into the rich fabric of Filipino life, creating memories that linger like the sweet scent of sampaguita flowers.

Beyond your volunteer contributions, the Philippines’ natural wonders beckon, from exploring the underground river in Palawan to snorkeling amidst coral gardens in Apo Reef. Your weekends may lead you to explore colonial churches, hike up volcanic landscapes, or dance to the rhythm of local festivals. Volunteering in the Philippines is an invitation to be part of a dynamic transformation, where your impact is matched only by the kaleidoscope of experiences that awaken your senses and leave an indelible mark on your heart.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in the Philippines:

  • Volunteering in the Philippines offers an immersive experience in a culture known for its warmth, hospitality, and vibrant traditions.
  • Volunteering in the Philippines provides a chance to directly contribute to community-driven initiatives, such as education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
  • The Philippines boasts stunning natural landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for your volunteering journey. From pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to lush mountains and rice terraces, your weekends can be filled with adventures like island hopping, snorkeling, hiking, or simply relaxing in paradise-like settings.
  • Volunteering in the Philippines broadens your worldview and challenges your perceptions as you work alongside local communities to address real-world challenges. This experience fosters personal growth, enhances your adaptability, and equips you with valuable skills.

Our Philippines Volunteer Projects

Browse all of our volunteer projects in the Philippines below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond Philippines.

Volunteer Abroad
Philippines

Culture Week Volunteer in Palawan, Philippines

Experience Filipino culture first-hand through your exploration of local spots, immersing in the culture, sampling the cuisine, visiting famous sites and more! Our culture week is tailored to introduce you to some of the best things the island of Palawan has to offer.

Culture Week Volunteer in Palawan, Philippines

Experience Filipino culture first-hand through your exploration of local spots, immersing in the culture, sampling the cuisine, visiting famous sites and more! Our culture week is tailored to introduce you to some of the best things the island of Palawan has to offer. This week will get you learning the basics of the language, cooking traditional meals, tasting authentic food, visiting the most famous sites and discovering areas where tourists don’t often venture!

CULTURE WEEK SCHEDULE
– Monday: Orientation, Filipino Tagalog language classes, culture lessons, tour of the local area, broom-making or coconut leaf-weaving workshop, Filipino cooking class
– Tuesday: Visit to a local farm to see

Volunteer Abroad
Philippines

Kindergarten Volunteer in Palawan, Philippines

During this program, you will partake in the day-to-day operations of a childcare facility. Not only will this give you an insight into authentic Filipino life, but you will also get engaged into the daily operations of the kindergarten.

Kindergarten Volunteer in Palawan, Philippines

During this program, you will partake in the day-to-day operations of a childcare facility. Not only will this give you an insight into authentic Filipino life, but you will also get engaged into the daily operations of the kindergarten. The kindergarten is located in the Tigman area of Palawan and the children who attend are between the ages of 3 and 5. Your primary task will be to communicate with the children using English and teaching them the language in a fun way. Besides teaching, you will also support the local staff with the caretaking of the children. This task can range in activities, from organizing classes, playing games and guiding activities to feeding, cutting nails, combing

Volunteer Abroad
Philippines

Construction Effort Volunteer in Palawan, Philippines

There are many people living on the Island of Palawan who don't have the funds to upgrade their living conditions. With this project, we are trying to assist these people with their housing and help renovate, upgrade and construct communal places and institutions such as schools, healthcare centres, hospitals, community centres and so on.

Construction Effort Volunteer in Palawan, Philippines

There are many people living on the Island of Palawan who don’t have the funds to upgrade their living conditions. With this project, we are trying to assist these people with their housing and help renovate, upgrade and construct communal places and institutions such as schools, healthcare centres, hospitals, community centres and so on.

In this project, you will work alongside local Palawan people and this will give them a unique insight into the lifestyle and culture of the population of this beautiful island. Moreover, you will join other participants from all over the world to jointly work on these construction efforts.

The main construction and renovation activities will consist of pai

Location

About Palawan

Palawan is a special island dotted with fishing villages and surrounded by beautiful blue sea. The scenes contrasts perfectly with the emerald green jungled mountains which form its landscape. Our accommodation is located in Tigman Village in Aborlan District, a small and laid back area just outside of Puerto Princesa City.

Dates & costs

The World Endeavors Volunteer in the Philippines program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.

When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to the Philippines, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

First Week: $3,390 | Each Additional Week: $1,490

Eligibility

  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
  • Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.

Housing

Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house and stay in shared rooms by gender. Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The food will consist mainly of local Philippine cuisine (lots of vegetables, meat, egg and rice) and will be served on site at this accommodation.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

  • Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

  • Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
  • Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
  • 2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Assistance with resume updates
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety. 

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN PHILIPPINES

In your spare time in the Philippines, there are numerous enjoyable activities and experiences to pursue. Here are some suggestions:

  • Snorkel and Dive: Experience the vibrant marine life by snorkeling or diving in places known for their rich biodiversity.
  • Try Filipino Cuisine: Indulge in delicious Filipino dishes like adobo, sinigang, lechon, and halo-halo, experiencing the country’s unique flavors and culinary delights.
  • Island Hopping: With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a plethora of stunning destinations. Go island hopping to explore pristine beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs.
  • Experience the vibrant culture: Attend traditional festivals, explore historic landmarks, and embrace the warm hospitality of the Filipino people.

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Recent Philippines Testimonials

Andria KVolunteer in Philippines

It was the best experience ever!! At the begging it was a little hard but then I met really special people from all over the world, we had so much fun together. The children were also so special for me. They were so cute, funny, friendly, sweet. Since my first day there they tried to talk with me even if our language was not the same. We did many activities together! I really understand how words sometimes are not useful to create good relationships, and for sure that simple things are the most important because of the reality of the kids. They were so happy with little things. I’m gonna miss them so much, I hope one day to see them again. Thanks for allowing me to have this amazing experience!

Elena RVolunteer in Philippines

I’m not being dramatic. It was life changing. At first I was excited but also really scared. Before leaving - my main feeling was being scared. Then it was literally one of the best things that I’ve ever experienced. The fact that I was alone was probably the best thing that happened. I had to make friends and constantly put myself out there. I didn’t know anyone, had to try things and make friends. Meeting people was the best thing. Talking with them, experiencing things with them. Obviously together with the volunteering - those 2 things go together.

Martina GVolunteer in Philippines

I’m very happy about it, because I think I felt not just as a volunteer, but as a person belonging to Portugal. People were very nice with me, always smiling during the project. Love also the balance between volunteering and meeting new people, traveling, visiting other cities. Everything was good! Tried all the tasks at the placement. The part I enjoyed the most, distribution to people. They were very kind, tried to interact with me even if I didn’t speak Portuguese. I think I realized the impact of what I was doing, on the local community.

Marcello MVolunteer in Philippines

Thank you for the organisation of an unforgettable month, full of happiness, experiences, and long-lasting memories.

Philippines FAQs

How Many Islands Are There in the Philippines?

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are 7641 islands in the Philippines. These are divided into the three primary island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

How Many Dialects Are There in the Philippines?

There are over 170 languages spoken in the Philippines, with Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and others being major. The term “dialect” can be misleading, as many of these languages are distinct and not mutually intelligible. English is also widely spoken as an official language.

Can Unvaccinated Travelers go to the Philippines?

Yes, currently, unvaccinated visitors are accepted in the Philippines. However, following all applicable health protocols while traveling in the Philippines is essential to reduce the risk of contracting illnesses.

Is it Safe to Travel to the Philippines?

The Philippines is generally safe, offering stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences. While most visits are trouble-free, travelers should be cautious about petty theft, especially in crowded areas, and adhere to local laws and customs. Tropical diseases can be a concern, so taking health precautions such as vaccinations and mosquito repellent is essential. Staying updated on travel advisories and respecting local customs contribute to a safe and enjoyable trip to the Philippines.

Where is the Philippines?

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, in the western Pacific Ocean. It is situated to the east of mainland Southeast Asia and consists of more than 7,000 islands. The South China Sea borders the country to the west, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. It shares maritime boundaries with countries like Taiwan to the north and Malaysia and Indonesia to the south.

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Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!