Take the wonderful opportunity to volunteer in the Philippines.
Once you visit the Philippines, you will never forget the culturally unique mix of these 7000+ islands. From breathtaking white sandy beaches to vibrant markets to fantastic historical architecture, it is full of hidden treasures. Unfortunately, these assets often get overlooked with the recent history of natural disasters, political corruption, and religious strife. However, in general, most of the Philippines is safe, relaxed, and stable.
Some international companies partner with local humanitarian organizations to offer projects which as well as volunteering help to educate international participants about the people and culture of the Philippines. Some project goals are to educate locals and improve their standards of living, while providing the volunteers an understanding of the economic hardships many people deal with everyday.
Project Locations
Projects can be joined all over the Philippines and. will give you the satisfaction of providing a service to many at-need communities.
Some projects take place in two cities of Leyte. The first is Tacloban City. It is located 360 miles southeast of Manila and it is the capital of Leyte island in the Visayas region. The city is known for the landing of the American General MacArthur during WWII, which liberated the Philippines from Japan. The second city is Tanauan, a city of agricultural fields 45 minutes drive away from Tacloban City.
In addition to your volunteer work, organized excursions will be planned. Also, the weekends are available to visit neighboring villages, beaches, and other scenic areas. Although the Philippines suffers from high unemployment and a struggling economy, the people are highly educated. The literacy rate in Tacloban is 97.3%, and most people have started to use English as one of their primary languages, so traveling around the Philippines will not be too challenging.
Best Volunteer Projects
These are some of the most popular ways to help in Philippines.
Education and Teaching
Most Filipinos learn English from grade one, so a majority of the population can speak and understand English. Some organisations offer the chance to inspire students and assist the local teachers in rural elementary schools with English classes and other subjects. Or, act as a role model for struggling teenagers and adults through informal education classes. Some students have dropped out of school, but want to examine alternate opportunities to continue their education. A TEFL certificate or some classroom teaching experience is preferred, but usually not required.
Social Welfare Development
Volunteer with the Department of Social Welfare and work directly with poor communities in the area. Past projects include teaching computer classes to the community and organizing projects and activities for street children. Administrative, data entry, and statistical analysis assistance are also needed at the Social Welfare government office. There are a variety of available opportunities based on your experiences, skills, and interests.
Street Children
Social welfare offices have facilities to house and teach street children. Many of these children have decided to leave home and stay on the streets in search of food, and sadly, many have developed a dependency on glue sniffing. Provide guidance and attention to these children whose lives lack compassion, trust, love, and food.
Orphanage Assistance
Work in local orphanage homes with between 45-100+ abandoned children. A lot of children have come from poor families and suffer from malnutrition and neglect. You will get to assist staff in caring for these children. Tasks can include organizing recreational activities, educational activities, sports, arts & crafts, and be the nurturing heart and helping hand that can encourage the children and local staff.
Health and Community Work
Many communities are faced with the daily problems of malnutrition and a scarcity of food. Volunteer with the Barangay Nutrition Committee. Projects include: organizing nutrition education classes for parents, implementing community and school vegetable gardens, and conducting children’s weight surveys in the different areas. Knowledge of nutrition and health are preferred for these projects.
Special Education
Special skills and experience are needed to work with people who are handicapped and disabled. For example, communities need knowledgeable educators to teach computer classes to the hearing impaired and volunteers to work with autistic children.
Program Highlights and Benefits
Volunteering in the Philippines offers:
• An unforgettable experience helping and improving at-need communities in Leyte
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn Filipino cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills
Volunteering in Philippines FAQ
Program Requirements
The minimum age for joining the program is 18. If you are younger then you need a letter of consent from your parents. There are no specific qualifications needed to join unskilled programs. However, volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as possess a passion and enthusiasm for giving back.
Accommodation
Volunteers can be placed in hotels or homestays. If live with ordinary Filipino families so they can be immersed in the culture and witness first hand everyday life of a traditional local family. Host families are carefully selected to host international volunteers. Filipinos are incredibly hospitable and go out of their way to make their guests feel at home. The host families will provide the volunteers with two Filipino meals a day: breakfast and dinner. Volunteer will have their own private room, with a secured lock on the door. Most Filipino homes only have one C.R. (bathroom) for the entire family so the volunteer will have to share this with the family.