Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in the Philippines
- Poverty is widespread, with 21.6% of the population in the Philippines living below the poverty line
- Malnutrition is evident, with 1 in 3 children under five having stunted growth, due to lack of a nutritional diet
- The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, which can affect farming and agriculture, one of the main sources of food for many families
- Many poor families have little education and limited access to health services
HOW can you help?
- People of all skills and experiences are welcome on this project
- Join ongoing and existing projects with local tradesman or try renovation work within the community
- Get stuck in and 'hands dirty' on this active project
- Adapt well to Philippino culture and learn how to do things the local way
WHAT can you do?
- Help to renovate and build community centres such as village schools, playgrounds & healthcare centres
- Assist local skilled workers, who will guide you through the project
- Get involved in laying bricks, doing carpentry, painting, laying tiles, and landscaping/gardening
- Be prepared for some hard work in the heat (the reward will definetly be worth it!)
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION
LOCATION: EL NIDO, PALAWAN
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Overview
Nacpan Village predominantly houses local fishermen whose homes are constructed from bamboo, nipa, light materials, and wood. Sadly, many residents here struggle to make ends meet and lack the resources to improve their living standards or upgrade their homes.
Additionally, communal infrastructures in the village, including public spaces, have not been well-maintained or preserved, calling for reconstruction and restructuring.
The main objective of this project is to support the locals in developing, constructing, and renovating communal infrastructures and institutions such as schools, healthcare centres, tribal halls, community centres, multi-purpose centres, and residential houses. These efforts aim to provide secure, safe, and comfortable spaces for various community activities.
By participating in this project, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the community and work alongside local organized teams and other volunteers. This will offer you unique experiences and insights into the local culture, customs, language, and way of life. It will also allow you to connect with the kind, friendly, and hospitable locals of El Nido, Palawan, while collaborating with participants from all over the world to contribute to these construction efforts.
Your Roles – Other Information
On the other hand, you don’t need special qualifications or even to have experience in construction efforts, but do consider this job requires physical strength and endurance in hot weather conditions. Hence, Your main roles can or will include the following:
- Assist in the construction and renovations of community infrastructures.
- Help and assist in the construction or renovation of schools, classrooms or playgrounds.
- Build and renovate communal facilities.
- Paint school walls and other buildings.
- Repair and work with wood and furniture.
- Digging and assembling construction Materials.
- Painting and renovating cultural sites such as churches, healthcare centres and so on.
- Help in constructing and renovating local houses of residents.
- Finally, during the construction activities, please be careful and mindful when using construction equipment and material, ask assistance from your local coordinators for heavy tasks and of course to enjoy and make the most of your stay and make memorable learning experiences.
Location
El Nido, located in the province of Palawan, is renowned as one of the world’s top tourist destinations due to its mesmerising lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islets, towering limestone cliffs, and diverse marine life. Despite its popularity among tourists, there are overlooked communities living in impoverished conditions, particularly Nacpan Village, situated 17 kilometers north of El Nido town.
Project Tasks
- Improve the quality of life for underprivileged residents around the area.
- Assist the locals on daily construction and renovation tasks as an organized team.
- Connect and create local multicultural exchange experiences both locals and volunteers can benefit from.
- Gain practical experience in constructing and renovating works.
Food & Accommodation
The volunteer centre provides rooms shared with 4 people per room, with the houses complete with either a fan or air con, T.V, kitchen, wifi (this can be limited sometimes), mosquito protection, bed linen, cold showers 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.
We have two accommodation houses. The first is located in the small Village of Nacpan, El Nido, Palawan, which is about 20 mins to town. It’s close to the beach where you can relax, chill and swim on the beach during your spare time. You can also get to your placement via walking or riding a tricycle for nearby Barangays or other areas. This accommodation is mostly for those doing the construction, kindergarten and teaching programs.
The Second Accommodation is located at Barangay Buena Suerte, located at the very heart of the El nido Town. This accommodation is for those doing the El Nido culture week and Beach week programs. You can roam around the town’ centre during your spare time. El Nido town is a 5 hour drive from the City of Puerto Princesa.
*Private rooms may be available for a small upgrade, please ask us in advance.
3 meals per day are provided each day (2 on weekends). Food will be mainly of typical local and western dishes. We serve rice but not everyday. We also serve pasta, noodles, sea foods, most of the time chicken and pork, vegetables and fruits. For breakfast, we may have eggs, sausages, oatmeal, bread, pancakes, coffee and tea. However, meals will also be served based on your dietary requirements, but you need to inform us in advance.
Standard
Projects (Palawan)
- Kindergarten Teaching, Aborlan
- Primary School Teaching, Aborlan
- Mangrove Conservation, Aborlan
- *Community Construction, Aborlan
- Kindergarten Teaching, El Nido
- Primary School Teaching, El Nido
- *Community Construction, El Nido
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1 Week - $370
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2 Weeks - $435
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3 Weeks - $585
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1 Month - $725
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2 Months - $1795
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3 Months - $2650
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
No construction skills are necessary for this placement, however tradesmen of all types (eg. carpenters, plumbers, electricians, builders) are extremely needed. If you are an active and energetic person, who loves to get invovled with a team and to get your hands dirty, then this could be the project for you.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.
Schedule
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour around the compound and local area; and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observations, Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner
Activities & Events
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
You have 2 options for arrival:
1st option: A free airport pickup is included when arriving to El Nido Airport (Lio). You must arrive between 08:00 – 17:00 on Sunday. The fastest way to go to El Nido is to fly directly to Lio Airport from Manila. Currently, AirSwift is the only airline that services the Manila to El Nido route. AirSwift operates up to four direct flights per day from Manila.The travel time is 1 hour & 30 minutes.
2nd option: A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). You must arrive between 08:00 – 15:00 on Sunday. Upon pick up at the airport, you will then transfer to the bus station on your way to El Nido or to the accommodation. The trip takes around 6 to 7 hours from the city of Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra nights accommodation for an additional charge.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the El Nido airport the Nacpan Village accommodation, it takes 20 mins by road. To the Barangay Buena Suerte accommodation it takes 30 mins by road.
From Puerto Princesa International Airport, to both accommodation centres, it will take approx 6-7 hours by road.
Monday
Breakfast
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour Around Town’s centre and Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observation and Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner
Tuesday to Friday
Breakfast
Engage in Construction and renovation efforts.
Lunch
Engage in Construction and renovation efforts.
Dinner
Note: Every Thursday at 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm, we will be having a Karaoke Night. This activity will give you and other participants a time for relaxation, socialization, a welcome party for new comers and at the same time a farewell party for the participants who will end their programs.
Note: Program will have a minimum of four (4) hours a day.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local***
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.
Bring comfortable working clothes (preferably modest clothing covering knees and shoulders for women and tshirts, working pants, gloves and sturdy shoes for men) and must follow the dress code policy.
Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.
Dress Code:
The Philippines is a Conservative Country, please wear modest clothing covering knees and shoulders. Loose and long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates. Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered. It is completely fine to wear western clothes as long as they fit the local standards. Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate
Personal belongings such as:
Comfortable working clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet all day.
Bring Personal toiletries such as basic soap, shampoo, toothpaste and towels.
Bring also hat, sunglasses to protect from the heat of the sun particularly during the construction activities.
Please also bring work gloves, sturdy shoes or boots as you may do some heavy construction tasks.
An environmentally friendly sunscreen or lotion is also advised to protect you from the heat of the sun and please carry with you preventive agents during outdoor activities, such as mosquito repellents for insect bites or other insects that may irritate your skin.
Moreover, bring Medicines with you especially if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis as well as other medicines for headaches and stomach aches.
Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day particularly during construction activities.
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!
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