The Philippines is a very beautiful country with friendly people, beautiful islands and stunning white sandy beaches. However, behind the beauty lies a developing country, that is among the most populated in the world. As such it is burdened with many social and economic issues. Due to lack of resources, many people have to do without such basics as education, housing, food and healthcare.
This is where international volunteers can make a significant difference. By taking part in one of the numerous programs, volunteers can really get to know the people of Philippines see the country and provide a helping hand.
About The Philippines
Situated on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines claims title to the second-largest archipelago on the planet with 7,107 individual islands.
Coral-fringed islands are home to extraordinary sights not to be missed: spectacular rice terraces, tropical rainforests, underground rivers, soaring limestone towers, uninhabited ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, and cascading waterfalls.
Development in The Philippines
The agricultural industry dominates the Philippine economy, which is considered one of the fastest growing economies in South East Asia. Important sectors of the Philippine economy include agriculture and industry, particularly food processing, textiles and garments, and electronics and automobile parts. Most industries are concentrated in the urban areas around metropolitan Manila.
The success of the Philippines economy has not alleviated the astonishing poverty present in the country. There is a widening gap between rich of poor and it is estimated that 40% of all Filipinos exist below the poverty line. Perhaps the most revealing fact about the nature of poverty found in the Philippines is that the richest 10% percent of the population holds 40% percent of the national income, while the poorest 10% percent of the population claims ownership to 1.5% percent of the national income.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within the Romblon community, focusing primarily on childcare, school children, schools and community buildings, promoting reading and the environment.
As a volunteer in the Philippines you can provide love, affection, education and support to children in childcare. You will help to improve education and facilities in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. You will also provide education, promote the importance of books and reading, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Filipino communities.
How You Can Help
In many communities, rural clinics are they only source of free medical care. Many volunteers are needed in this sector. Duties are allocated according to qualifications but responsibilities can range from medical diagnosis, to nutritional education. It is the ideal way for medical students to learn while helping others.
Individuals with background in psychology and counselling would be highly appreciated in Women’s Rights and Empowerment sector. Volunteers work to educate women one-on-one, and document family planning methods. They also help to support and take care of younger girls.
Orphanages are seriously understaffed, and volunteers work with existing staff to provide emotional support in addition to providing educational support and basic care.
In Youth Development & Education volunteers can teach children how to play basketball, along with basic education in Mathematics, English, and Science for 4 – 5 hours a day. This leaves sufficient time to explore the surroundings.
There are also some Building and Maintenance programs in different areas of the country. Volunteers can choose a location and then spend a few weeks in a community in the chosen location repairing buildings, painting the building, installing water pumps or setting up a library. Some of the free time can be used to pick up some language skills by playing with the children who will be using the school.
Best Volunteering Programs in Philippines
Community
Volunteers will work as librarians and teachers in a groundbreaking community library program in rural Philippines. They will lend and accept books being returned; they will catalogue and arrange the books according to topics and themes; they will assist readers and visitors of the library; and work in an environment where books, libraries, and even the concept of reading for leisure had been wanting. The library itself is divided into two areas: the regular section (for students doing research and others on quiet reading), and the “noisy library” for (story-telling and read-along sessions, and younger children who are also into solving puzzles and playing with educational toys). In addition, the volunteers will take books in schools and communities around the area for lending to book clubs they will organize via a mobile library. They will also organize and supervise library visits by both children and adults.
Building
Volunteers on construction programs will be doing manual building tasks. Your time will be spent repairing school buildings, painting roofs, walls, chalkboards, desks, teaching aids, and other equipment. Volunteers may help in the installation of water pumps, or help with the setting up/ building of a library. Volunteers can start by asking for donations of old books from families, friends, towns, parishes, and former schools. You can encourage the use of books by the students through class visitations and regular story-telling sessions. The objective is to introduce to public school students the joys of using a library, which most do not experience until college, if at all. Volunteers can spend up to one month on the School Building and Maintenance Program. If volunteers want to volunteer longer, they can join two or three programs options.
Childrens
Volunteers are needed to help in Childcare Centres with children ages 3 to 5. You will work alongside the staff at the Centres to help with classroom teaching, basic childcare duties, and the daily running of the Daycare. Volunteers will teach the alphabet and basic concepts like colours, shapes, sizes, days of the week. Volunteers are also encouraged to organize subjects of interest such as art and crafts, dance, music, sports or games. This program is suitable for a caring, motivated and self-directed person who has a love for children and experience with childcare. This program is not available during April and May due to school holidays.
Teaching
Due to the lack of teachers in the Philippines, children are struggling to get quality education. Teaching volunteers are needed to work with elementary and high school students in public schools. Subjects taught include English, maths, science, health, and basic computer skills (only in schools where computers are available). Volunteers have the chance to teach on their own, but there will be a local teacher available to assist if needed. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a university degree. This program is not available during April and May.
FAQ
How safe is it to volunteer in the Philippines?
As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in the Philippines. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
What is the climate like in the Philippines?
The Philippines climate is tropical marine with hot and humid weather all year round. Although there are many regional variations the country can be divided into two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season (May to October) delivers heavy rains to most of the archipelago while the dry season (November to April) brings hot and humid air. Temperatures rarely rise above 37C with the average temperatures sitting at 20 to 32C. Mean annual sea-level temperatures rarely fall below 27C.
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
During your training and volunteer time you are provided with accommodation which is covered by the in-country fee. Volunteers live with local families and will share their food and way of life. Volunteers will be provided with their own room. Please note that during orientation in Manila volunteers will be staying at a dormitory provided by our partner organization.
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
Volunteers are welcome to take short breaks during their volunteer time. We recognize that volunteering can be quite intensive. There are often other volunteers that want to do sight seeing also. You may like to travel to meet up with other volunteers to join in local festivities and explore your local surroundings. Visiting neighbouring islands are popular destinations for many volunteers. We ask that if you wish to take a break from volunteering that you give our partner organisation advance notice.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Considering the temperature and humidity, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that covers your whole body – this is best to keep the sun and insect bites away. Comfortable sturdy footwear as well as a pair of sandals/jandals for light walking is recommended. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat.
Do I need a visa?
If your stay in the Philippines is 21 days or less, you may not need a visa for your time in the country. If your stay is more than 21 days, you will need to obtain a Foreign Tourist Visa prior to arrival. Volunteers may obtain visas from Philippine embassies and consulates.
What immunizations /vaccinations will I need?
This is a suggestion of what may be needed – please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Japanese B encephalitis
• Rabies
Some of these can be taken in oral form so please discuss with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people can be affected quite differently to others by medication. Malaria is not prevalent in Manila and Romblon where we have our projects.
Requirements
Volunteers for the Philippines program must:
• be 18 years or older
• have no major health problems
• possess genuine openness to different cultures, sensibilities, and conditions
• Obtain a satisfactory police check from your home country prior to volunteering
Sightseeing
Volunteers can explore stunning islands and will have the opportunity during their free time to join in local festivities and visit new places. Enjoy spending the night in a resort with a pool and spa facilities. The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling so be sure to hit the water while you’re there! Take some time before or after your volunteer placement if you wish to explore other cities/regions in the Philippines.
Feedback & Reviews
“Everything’s been great with the program! My students are absolutely adorable and so very eager to learn English! My host family is also great and I love meeting everyone here!” – Rita
“Everyone went out of their way to make sure our entire family was safe and well cared for. They were wonderful.” – Karen
“I worked at a Daycare placement in the mornings and elementary in the afternoons. However, due to my fundraising, I was in a position to run “community projects” as well including installation of 7 water pumps, roof repairs at local school, CR installation and the clean up of a play ground area.” – Emma
“My placement project was at Quirino High School in Quezon City. In the two weeks there, I repaired many leaky holes in the roof of one of the buildings, repaired four ceiling boards, and painted the ceilings of two classrooms. As well, I was able to volunteer at a local daycare helping children learn basic things.” – Alex
“One of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not only were the kids super adorable, but they were so open to having someone like me come into their lives. I felt welcome, and better yet part of the family. (I got an award for best Ate – older sister).” – Susan