Philippines

WHY we need you in the Philippines

Coron island Philippines

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

Volunteer in the Philippines

The Philippines is a beautiful country, complete with secluded beaches, pristine coves, great diving, surfing, hiking and some of the most beautiful waterfalls, with turquoise blue water. The most popular things to do in the Philippines is island hopping around the 7000+ islands, each with something different to offer. Despite the natural beauty of the island however, the Philippines remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. This is where volunteering can make a huge difference. 

Volunteer with IVI for authentic, affordable and life changing projects in the Philippines. We have over 30 years of experience as a charity and non profit org and are passionate about helping those less fortuanate than ourselves. 

We have many projects in the Philippines, helping underprivilaged communites. Choose from nutrition/ medical, teaching, agriculture, construction, street kids program and more. 

Volunteer Projects in the Philippines

one on one teaching

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING, ABORLAN

Help out the school teachers in teaching the children conversational English, reading, writing, pronounciation and making daily lesson plans for creative and educational classes.

Location: Aborlan, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration:  1 Week 
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

Teaching in the Philippines

KINDERGARTEN TEACHING, ABORLAN

Put a smile on the children's faces as you play games, teach basic conversational English skills and do creative activities with them. Work alongside local staff at nearby kindergartens.

Location: Aborlan, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

Adventure week nepal

ENVIRONMENTAL & MANGROVE CONSERVATION, ABORLAN

Help conserve mangrove plantations, a vital habitat for its marine life. This unique ecosystem area serves as a coastal barrier, slowing storm surge, and reducing beach erosion.

Location: Aborlan, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

construction volunteers IVI

COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION, ABORLAN

Assist local tradesman in the construction of houses & schools. Through this project, you’ll directly help the local local people assisting in creating better living conditions for families and school children.

Location: Aborlan, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

Healthcare-14-min-1

CULTURAL ORIENTATION WEEK, ABORLAN

Enjoy a week of getting to know your new surroundings and to meet your fellow volunteers. Learn about the local culture, have language lessons, cooking classes and explore some local sights.

Location: Aborlan, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

special needs teacher

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL, LEYTE

Provide support and work as a classroom assistant in a special needs school for children with a wide range of disabilities including, physical, mental or learning difficulties.

Location: Tacloban City, Leyte
Start Dates: 1st week of September – 3rd Week of June (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 4 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: Some experience in special needs.

MEDICAL INTERNSHIP, LEYTE

Calling on those in medicine and related fields to assist the under funded free healthcare clinic in providing quality medical services. Depending on experience, get a hands on role at the clinic.

Location: Rural towns near Tacloban, Leyte
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 4 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: Medical, nutrition, dietetics (or related) student or professional

Philippines feeding program

NUTRITION & PUBLIC HEALTH, LEYTE

Play a critical role in local public health projects to combat hunger in preschool children through supplementary feeding programs and nutritional education for families and community workers

Location: Rural towns near Tacloban, Leyte
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 2 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: Medical, nutrition, dietetics (or related) student or professional

STREET CHILDREN SUPPORT, LEYTE

Scavenging at the city dump is a grim reality of life for many children. The project provides food subsidies, school supplies, clothing and weekly meals.

Location: Tacloban, Leyte
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 4 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

boys rehabilitation staff

BOYS YOUTH REHABILITATION, LEYTE

Volunteer with youths in conflict with the law, you can help coach and mentor young male adolescents who need to alter the course of their lives. Help empower the boys by sharing your talents, skills and interests.

Location: Tanauan, Leyte
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 4 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: Social work/ related fields preferred, but not required.

heart craft

WOMEN'S WELFARE, LEYTE

Assist local staff in a women’s shelter, you can help promote female empowerment to some of the most disadvantaged and abused women. Provide vocational and educational activites to inspire the women.

Location: Palo, Leyte
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 4 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: Social work/ related fields preferred, but not required.

students in class

PRIMARY ENGLISH TEACHING, LEYTE

Assist local primary school teachers in rural towns near Tacloban. These schools often have very limited resources and need all the help they can get. Teach alongside the local teacher, in small groups, individually or take a class on your own.

Location: Rural towns near Tacloban, Leyte
Start Dates: 1st week of September to 3rd Week of June (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 2 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

ENGLISH TEACHING, EL NIDO

The teaching program is structured as a formal English class, enabling participants to design and coordinate various engaging learning activities. As a teacher, you will go beyond imparting knowledge and skills; you will become a source of inspiration and motivation for the students, empowering them to take significant steps in their lives.

Location: El Nido, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 6 Weeks
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

KINDERGARTEN TEACHING, EL NIDO

Help teach and care for children on the beautiful island of El Nido, Palawan. Your role will involve organizing classes, developing educational materials, playing games, and engaging in practical activities such as feeding, handwashing, and combing hair.

Location: El Nido, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

_working at the construction site-

CONSTRUCTION, EL NIDO

The main goal of this project is to aid in the development, construction, and renovation of vital communal infrastructure and institutions. Your participation will directly contribute to improving the infrastructure and facilities that play a crucial role in promoting the well-being of the community.

Location: El Nido, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

el nido culture

CULTURE WEEK, EL NIDO

Spend a week exploring the charming town of El Nido, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, mesmerizing lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islets, towering limestone cliffs, and lush rainforests. However, El Nido offers more than just its stunning natural beauty. It is a place steeped in culture, with a wealth of local dialects, heritage, and traditions.

Location: El Nido, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

_el nido beach

BEACH & ADVENTURE WEEK, EL NIDO

This program promises an array of delightful activities, from diving and snorkelling in the pristine waters to kayaking through stunning landscapes. Treat yourself to a soothing massage and bask in the sun on the picturesque white sandy beaches. Join us for a truly spectacular experience on the world's best island, right here in El Nido, Palawan.

Location: El Nido, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

hospital placements

HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION, ABORLAN

Volunteer in rural healthcare clinics in tropical Palawan. The village medical centre serves the community where you will be welcomed and greatly appreciated by the local staff and patients, who are often over-run. Shadow local doctors, give health checks and education to local residents.

Location: Aborlan, Palawan
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years (guardian advised)
Special Requirements: Medical, nutrition, dietetics (or related) student or professional

heaps to do on the weekends

1 WEEK SUMMER SPECIAL

Embark on a week-long journey in Palawan, Philippines, immersing yourself in authentic local experiences. Trekking to Inuman-Banog Waterfalls, Visit to Batang-batang River Camp, Ugong Rock Adventures: Ziplining, Trekking, and Caving!

Location: Palawan
Start Dates: 3rd June 2024, 1st July 2024, 5th August 2024
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

Testimonials...

Philippines

What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Fees

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $700
  • 2 Weeks - $855
  • 3 Weeks - $995
  • 4 Weeks - $1150
  • 8 Weeks - $1695
  • 12 Weeks - N/A
Homestays
All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $370
  • 2 Weeks - $465
  • 3 Weeks - $695
  • 1 Month - $865
  • 2 Months - $1595
  • 3 Months - $2390
Vol House
All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $495
  • 2 Weeks - $760
  • 3 Weeks $1100
  • 1 Month - $1475
  • 2 Months - $2950
  • 3 Months - $4350
Vol House

Adventure
Projects (Palawan)


- Beach Adventure Week, El Nido








All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $545
Vol House

Summer
Special


- 1 Week Summer Special








All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $765
Vol House

30 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits.   Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed. 

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact.   All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
 

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points.   Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

The Philippines consists of more than 7000 islands and is a land apart from the mainland of Southeast Asia. The people are, simply, Filipinos – and proud of it. Welcoming, warm and relentlessly upbeat, it is they who captivate and ultimately ensnare visitors.

Islands are jungle-clad, mountainous and flanked by aquamarine waters and a world renowned coral reef. But you’ll find plenty of variations on this theme, from marooned slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean to sprawling, overpopulated mega-islands like Luzon and Mindanao.

About half of the Philippines’ 88 million people live in rural areas. Poverty is most severe and most widespread in these areas and almost 80 per cent of the country’s poor people live there. Agriculture is the primary and often only source of income for poor rural people.

Overall, more than a third of the people in the Philippines live in poverty. There are substantial differences in the level of poverty between the regions and provinces and the poverty gap between urban and rural areas is widening.

November to April is the most popular time to visit the Philippines, as this is when there is the least rainfall. 

June to October is wet season and November to May is usally dry. Shoulder months can be a great time to travel as you can still get some good weather but there are less crowds.  The island weather can vary, so it’s worth checking the weather for which islands you will be visiting at which time of year. 

The Philppines has a big Latin and Spanish influence, due to the previous Spanish rule. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the Philippines. The Filipino people are very welcoming, like to have close family bonds, and getting together with friends and family to eat, sing and dance. They are also very religious and most go to church at least every Sunday. 

Filipino people have a great respect for thier elders, saying the phrases ‘po’ and ‘opo’, when speaking with thier elders. They love a good party and festival, particually Christmas which they can celebrate right into the second week of January!

We have Homestay’s which are located in cultural Tacloban City on the island of Leyte, and Volunteer Centres located in the laid back beach area of Palawan.

Regarded as the ‘pearl of Leyte’, the coastal city of Tacloban  is approximately 360 miles from Manila. Tacloban is the capital of the Province of Leyte and has a population of 275,000 people. The city offers international volunteers an opportunity to be immersed in a unique Asian culture, which is at least partially left untouched by Western Culture, especially in the rural areas. In November 2013, Tacloban was one of the most devastated areas of the Philippines when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hayian) ravaged through the Philippines; therefore, the city and surrounding areas now present an even greater range of opportunities for international volunteers. Tacloban is easily accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through daily flights offered by Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air.

Palawan is a long narrow island surrounded by numerous small islands to make up the Province known (after the largest of its islands) as Palawan. The island province of Palawan has been declared as a nature sanctuary of the world as it is wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, incredible dive sites with colorful marine life, mountains, caves, and pristine beaches. The island is very picturesque and dotted with fishing villages and of course surrounded by beautiful blue sea and green jungle mountains. It has an abundance of wildlife and is mostly undeveloped. The projects are located approx 45 min outside the main city of Puerto Princesa where you will be warmly welcomed into the community.

Homestay (Tacloban, Leyte)

At the core of your experience is the friendly and warm accommodating local home stays who have been accepting volunteers for over a decade. Life inside a homestay is not only safe and cost effective, but is also a great way to contribute to the local economy and to experience the true nature and culture of the Philippines. All homestays have electricity and running water.  

You will have a private room by yourself or shared with a fellow volunteer. Mosquito net, electric fan, bed linens and door lock are also provided. The bathroom will be shared with the family and will be basic with cold, bucket baths (hot running showers are uncommon in Philippines) as it’s so tropical and warm! All home stays are English speaking. The home stays have been thoroughly evaluated before being accepted into the program and have been in operation for several years. You will be able to experience the Filipino culture and participate in the daily life of a local.

Volunteer Centre (Palawan)

In Palawan, the volunteer centre provides lodging in quad share rooms with the houses complete with either a fan or air con, T.V, kitchen Wifi, mosquito protection, bed linen and lockable rooms. Limited laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand, unless you’d like to use the laundry service for a small fee.

In most cases volunteers are expected to help keep the accommodation neat and tidy. The volunteer working week is generally Monday to Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm with weekends free to relax and explore your local surrounds.

For the homestay, breakfast and dinner is provided but volunteers will need to buy their own lunch which costs approx 50-80 pesos. Access to filtered drinking water will also be provided by your home stay. All meals will be served with rice and typically include fish, chicken or pork. Home stays can cater for special dietary restrictions, however we require advance notice so we can place you accordingly.

At the volunteer centre, 3 meals per day are provided with mainly local Philippine cuisine including lots of vegetables, rice, fish, meat and eggs. Meals are served on site at the accommodation.

Your first day will consist of comprehensive overview of the program including what to expect, health and safety, introduction to Filipino culture and introduction to staff and fellow volunteers. A guided city tour is also included for Tacloban placements.

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project. 

Public transport can at times seem chaotic to outsiders, however after orientation our staff will familiarise you on how to get too and from your volunteer placement. 

Beaches of Boracay

This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.

Bohol Chocolate Hills

Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.

Diving

The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.

Twin Lagoon on Coron Island

You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.  

Ziplining

For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.

Kayaking

There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Vigan Town

This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.

Underground River, Palawan

Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.

Manila

The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.

Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising

Weekends & Extra Tours

Ready to Volunteer in the Philippines?