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
WHAT does cultural week involve?
- Become comfortable with your new surroundings and settle in before your project starts
- Explore the local areas- walking tours, cultural excursions, island hopping, cooking classes & language lessons
- Take part in crafts like fan and necklack making
- Become immersed in local life by practicing your new language skills with the locals!
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: CUTLURE WEEK
LOCATION: EL NIDO, PALAWAN
START DATES: 1st & 3rd WEEK EVERY MONTH
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
The Philippines is a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. El Nido, Palawan is not only blessed with natural beauty and abundant resources but also boasts a rich tapestry of culture, local dialects, heritage, and traditions. The island is a melting pot of diverse cultures and handicrafts, providing an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound culture and history of the Philippines, particularly in El Nido, Palawan, and gain life-changing travel experiences through intercultural interactions.
Throughout the week, you will have the chance to learn and understand more about El Nido’s culture and acclimate to your surroundings. This enriching experience allows you to embrace the local way of living and customs, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
Exciting cultural experiences await you, including visits to the town’s public market where you can purchase unique souvenir items from local vendors. You will also partake in Philippines Language and cooking classes, enjoy trips to the pristine waters and beaches, engage in bonfires, and embark on various other cultural adventures.
It’s important to note that the program includes active outdoor activities, so ensuring you are medically and physically fit to participate in island hopping tours, diving, and swimming is advisable.
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
- Help you familiarize yourself with the local surroundings.
- Provide a full induction, preparing you for a longer stay!
- Broaden your knowledge of the local customs, history, and culture
- Teach you helpful phrases in the local language
- Facilitate cultural exchange between the participants and local people of El Nido.
- Give you hands-on insight into the local lifestyle of the El Nido, Palawan community in particular.
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.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Specialty
Projects (Palawan)
- Rural Healthcare, Aborlan
- Cultural Orientation Week, Aborlan
- Cultural Orientation Week, El Nido
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1 Week - $495
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2 Weeks - $760
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3 Weeks $1100
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1 Month - $1475
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2 Months - $2950
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3 Months - $4350
- Private rooms in Abloran (dorm) cost additional $250 p/week, and in El Nido $500 p/week
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
If you are looking to learn more about the local culture, and get involved in fun crafty activities, this is a great project to take a deep dive into the local culture. It can also help ease you in to the lifestyle here so you are better prepared once your volunteering starts.
- 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 center and Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
- Lunch
- Project Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
- Welcome Dinner
Tuesday
- Breakfast
- Filipino Cooking Class
- Lunch
- Filipino Language Class
- Dinner
Wednesday
- Breakfast
- Enjoy island Hopping
- Lunch
- Continue Island Hopping.
- Headed back to the Accommodation Center.
- Dinner
Thursday
- Breakfast
- Hand Fan Making
- Lunch
- Bracelet/Necklace Making
- Dinner
- Karaoke Night
Friday
- Breakfast
- Project Orientation and Observation
- Lunch
- Project Preparation
- Dinner
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
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.
The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyones involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe experience.
Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities such as diving and swimming.
Participants below 18 years old need a signed parental consent as proof of involvement of their children for the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.
Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.
Excellent time management and self – organizing.
Strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.
Personal belongings
There is a lot of walking and exploring, so bring with you comfortable trekking or hiking shoes so you can move comfortably and easily.
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 beach day.
You may also bring extra toiletries, towels, extra clothes, swimming attire, extra foods during island and beach days.
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 exploration and outdoor activities.
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 most especially when visiting churches and schools during your spare time.
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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