Volunteer in Philippines

A Philippine volunteer experience is a truly unforgettable way to explore the rich and diverse local culture as well as travelling with a difference. Whether volunteering abroad for the first time or as a returning VolSol alumnus, we can help kickstart your volunteering journey in the Philippines today! If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on our volunteer programs in the Philippines and truly become a global citizen, our teams are ready for you to get in touch and help find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you. 

The ‘how’ in how to volunteer abroad in the Philippines is a pretty simple process that our team can guide you through. The hard part is choosing a program that you want to get involved in! Our volunteer programs in the Philippines offer a breadth of opportunities to work with those in need of the support and contributions you can offer.

If you’re hoping to volunteer with children in the Philippines, we have the perfect project for you! Our Working with Children program allows you to get involved in childcare in the Philippines. Day to day responsibilities include showering the children in plenty of love and affection! You’ll take care of the children through play and interaction, as well as looking after their basic needs such as cooking and cleaning. You'll also take part in some administrative work and maintenance of the nursery. 

Volunteer work in the Philippines with children doesn’t stop there! Our Volunteer Teaching in the Philippines project is a fantastic way to get involved in providing children with the basics in literacy, numeracy, and other key skills that will form the basis of their education. You’ll also encourage curiosity and enthusiasm outside the classroom, through physical activity! This is an immersive and unique experience that will allow you to gain valuable insights into teaching,a s well as giving back to the local community. 

Are you a budding nurse or doctor looking to gain some varied experience? Our Rural Medical Clinic Volunteering program could be perfect for you! You’ll work in under-funded clinics based in rural areas outside of Tacloban City, and engage deeply with the rural communities and leave a positive impact on their lives! This is a truly unique experience, unparalleled to any other medical mission trip! 

We also have a volunteer organisation in the Philippines that will allow you to join our Public Health Nutrition Volunteer program! A program like no other, you will rectify and improve the malnourished condition of infants, especially those born in low-income communities. This project is more on the lines of public awareness and includes a feeding program for malnourished children. A truly crucial and worthwhile project. 

Have we piqued your interest? Good! Are you ready to get started? Even better! Volunteering in Philippines is only a few clicks away; choose your program, click ‘Apply Now’, complete the registration process, and let us take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can make your volunteering experience in the Philippines unforgettable. 

We have fantastic opportunities to take on medical volunteering in the Philippines! Our project is a fantastic opportunity to experience medical care under a new context and different system to your home country. Your knowledge complemented by the learning you will gain from this program will make you an unrivalled candidate for medical programs, as well as progressing your current career. 

To join, you must be 18 years of age, as well as an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Medical interns must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV, passport copy as well as other documents and credentials pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program. Pre Med, Medical, Nursing students and CNA’s can join the program! 

You will be based in a rural health clinic, which may be a change from your training and work back home in hospitals! Medical Volunteers can make a significant impact in the lives of the locals by working at the clinic and providing free medical services to them. On the brighter side, volunteers get to perform in a pressure pit, pushing their limits and also gaining practical hands-on knowledge while at it. This is a special medical volunteering opportunity in rural areas wherein volunteers get involved with other public health projects, such as Annual Medical Mission or Annual Medical Check-up for all children enrolled under various social development projects. Here’s what you can expect to do:

• Assisting the local doctor with daily consultations
• Helping with local government based initiatives such as vaccinations or deworming
• Visit local barangays during community clinic consultations
• Conducting workshops (depending on their experience.)
• Conduct community clinic consultations by visiting local communities.

There will also be opportunity to volunteer in the community and lead seminars about public health. 

Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. In the last 17 years, we have placed over 21,000 international volunteers across various projects and internships, helping them grow personally and professionally while making a difference to the world at large. We’ve hosted teen volunteering groups as well as gap year travellers, youth volunteers as well as family volunteering groups across various destinations.

Not only do we have our experience, but we have many accreditations that attest to our excellence in the field as well as our legitimacy as a volunteering experience coordinator. We are approved by WYSE Work Abroad, Go Overseas, and many other accreditors for volunteering abroad organisations. 

We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. We have in-country coordinators and representatives to assist you at the project sites.

Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:

• Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
• Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
• Weekend excursions and hikes in the Philippines
• Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost

Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore the Philippines most uniquely.

Our programs are based in Tacloban. Tacloban, the capital of the Eastern Visayas region in the Philippines, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, resilient spirit, and beautiful coastal scenery. Nestled along the shores of San Juanico Strait, Tacloban is a hub of culture and commerce, making it an interesting destination for travellers.

Tacloban has a deep historical legacy, particularly during World War II. The city was the site of significant battles, and landmarks like the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park commemorate General Douglas MacArthur's return to the Philippines in 1944. This park features iconic statues and serves as a reminder of the city's pivotal role in history. The city is rich in local culture, with festivals such as the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival celebrated every June. This vibrant event features colourful street dancing, showcasing the region’s history and traditions through lively performances.

Tacloban is a city that beautifully combines history, culture, and resilience. Whether you're exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying its local flavours, or taking in the stunning landscapes, Tacloban offers a unique and enriching experience for travellers in the Philippines.

Hoping to volunteer in Asia? The Philippines has many different opportunities for volunteering! Take a look here:

• Teaching Program, Tacloban
• Working with Children, Tacloban
• Rural Medical Clinic Volunteering, Tacloban
• Public Health Nutrition Program, Tacloban

No matter which program you choose to be a part of, you’ll definitely have an enriching experience. Programs are available for a minimum duration of 2 weeks to a maximum of 18 weeks. 

Think you could be a great addition to our team? Let us know if you fulfil the following requirements! 

- Be at least 17 years or older at the time of joining the project.

- Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

- Should also be proactive and can take initiative.

- Should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

- Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.

Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. And you should be empathic towards the animals if you want to volunteer for wildlife conservation programs.

Our project prices start from as low as £731 for 2 weeks! Here’s what you get included: 

• Airport Pickup and Drop Off
• Welcome Orientation – Program Orientation
  City Tour & Placement Orientation
• Accommodation in a Filipino Host Family
• 2 Meals a Day
• Detailed Pre Departure Info Pack
• Project Placement
• 24 hrs Assistance and support from in country staff
• Travel and Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
• Certificate Of Completion 

Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in the Philippines comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, and pre-departure booklet that contains all the information to get you started on your volunteering journey! Other than that, you'll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24/7 in-country support.

However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of travelling abroad to make a difference.

Since our inception in 2007, we have sent over 21,000 volunteers to over 25 destinations across the world! We have much experience in providing unforgettable volunteering experiences across the world, and our excellence in the field is a testament to that!

We know what volunteers look for regarding safety and security during their stay. All of our accommodation is located in safe areas, with 24/7 support from VolSol staff. You will be provided with a full orientation about the country, the city, and the local area to ensure you are as best informed as you can be! 

Our pre-departure booklet provides comprehensive information about the do’s and don’ts of the area, and how best to respect the cultures and traditions of your destination of choice! 

Our projects are based in or around Tacloban City, so you’ll never be too far away from the essentials you may need! However, it is always best to take everything you may need with you. Here’s some basics we suggest taking a long with you:

• A first aid kit full to the brim with items you would use regularly, as well as extras in case you run out! 
• Microfibre towels. Towels are not provided, and microfibre towels are a great space-saving alternative to regular towels. They also dry super quickly, making them useful for beach days as well as regular use.
• A small bum bag to keep your valuables nearby and handy when on the project and in your free time! Nothing worse than having to hold your phone the whole time.

If you are working with children, it is also advisable to bring some donations to the project you will be joining. For example, colouring books, teaching materials, toys, stationery etc. You can also buy these locally to help support local vendors and small businesses. 

The best time to visit the Philippines is generally between November and April. During these months, the weather is drier and cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities and island hopping. December to February tends to be the most popular time, especially around the holidays. 

However, if you're looking for fewer crowds, visiting in November or March can be a great option. Just keep in mind that the summer months (March to May) can get quite hot, especially in lowland areas. If you're interested in diving or exploring marine life, the dry season is also the best time for that!

We welcome volunteers from all over the world and different walks of life! We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion can only make the world a better place. We want to champion global citizens with an international vision and a deep commitment to the betterment of our society. Our volunteers should be compassionate, enthusiastic about change, diligent, and open-minded. 

Our projects cater to group volunteering in the Philippines, as well as family volunteering groups, student volunteering, gap year travellers, as well as teenage travellers looking to expand their horizons. 

You can easily apply to volunteer in the Philippines and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.

You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.

If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at [email protected] - and our Program Advisors will assist you.

Before travelling to the Philippines, please ensure that you meet the following general requirements: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for your visa and other necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.

Most people can arrive in the Philippines visa free for 30 days, and can be extended in Tacloban City for another 29 days as first extension and costs PHP 3,000.00. The next extension for another month will then cost PHP 7,000.00. You can check here for the requirements! 

Don’t have too long to dedicate to our projects? That’s no problem! We can still accommodate you on our projects! If you only have 2 weeks to dedicate to one of our projects in the Philippines, we can provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Philippines! 

Our projects have a minimum duration of 2 weeks, so you can work with children, teach, or join the public health nutrition program and travel sustainably! 2 weeks is all it may take to transform your world view, and the life of someone you work with. 

Wanting to volunteer for a longer period of time? With a maximum stay of 24 weeks, you can spend almost half the year with us! You’ll watch your work in action and the lasting impact it has on the wider community. Many volunteers then use our projects to kick-start their backpacking journey across the region. 

Worried that you’ll find yourself bored after a while? We can assure you that there is no way this will happen, especially not in such a beautiful and diverse country as the Philippines! We can help organise weekend trips for you and advise on the best places to visit during your stay. With such a rich history and endless coastline for you to dive into, you will never find yourself with a spare moment with nothing to do! 

Want to know more about what trips are available to you? Just email [email protected] for more information on this! 

Of course, when you are travelling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience the area, making the most of your journey. You’ll have the weekends free to explore the country!

Culturally, the Philippines is rich with history and diversity, influenced by various cultures throughout the centuries. Colourful festivals, delicious cuisine, and warm, welcoming people make every visit special. Whether you're exploring bustling cities like Manila or tranquil island getaways, the Philippines offers a beautiful blend of nature, adventure, and hospitality.

Spend the weekend trekking through the lush rainforests and vegetation, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the local wildlife. One such place is Masaba Falls - a super popular place for hiking, and take a dip at the end! 

Think of yourself as a bit of a culture buff? Visit the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum! Here you’ll see many artefacts from across the world, antiques and artwork alike. You’ll also see the shrine to the ‘Santo Niño’ - the baby Jesus. 

If you want a quiet getaway to relax and soak up some rays, nowhere is better than Cebu for this. Bright white beaches and azure shores await you in this perfect tropical escape. The bright colours of the coral and sea life will certainly bring life to your weekend escape!