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
- Help reverse the severe decline of Palawan's mangrove plantations
- Get stuck in and hands dirty, restoring mangrove plantations
- Contribute to this ongoing project and have a real impact on the lives of the local people
WHAT you can do?
- Help to plant new mangrove seedlings
- Assist local workers to restore the mangrove that is already there
- Educate the younger generation on the importance of environmental conservation
- Help create a sustainable environment for the future generation and get involved in the local way of life
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: ENVIRONMENTAL & MANGROVE CONSERVATION
LOCATION: ABORLAN, PALAWAN
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
This project aims to conserve mangrove plantations and reverse the decline of mangrove habitats, which have rapidly decreased in recent years. Achieving this requires both educating younger generations and the ongoing physical work of planting new mangroves.
As a volunteer, your role is vital in strengthening our natural coastal defenses, which help to slow storm surges, reduce beach erosion, and keep the beaches clean. You’ll also play a key role in promoting environmental conservation through educational sessions with children.
Unfortunately, improper waste disposal has become common in the Philippines, with people accustomed to littering. In response, we are collecting Eco-bricks from local villagers and producing them as part of our waste management efforts.
For the tree-planting area of the program, we’ve chosen Moringa seeds due to their many benefits, local availability, and ease of growth in the area. Moringa, also known as the “miracle tree” or horseradish tree, is a highly nutritious superfood. The pods, leaves, seeds, and roots are all edible and are often used by local villagers as home remedies for various health issues. Moringa is also a staple in local cuisine, pairing well with fish or meat dishes.
This program is ideal for you if you have a good level of physical fitness, enthusiasm, and a passion for environmental conservation and community development.
Your Role – General Information
This role involves physical work, often in hot weather, and your daily tasks may vary. Your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Participating in coastal clean-up efforts
- Collecting and planting mangrove seedlings
- Preparing lessons and instructional materials for environmental conservation campaigns in local schools and communities
- Teaching children and community members about mangrove rehabilitation and environmental conservation
- Creating signage to raise awareness about conservation
- Making Eco-bricks from collected materials
- Assisting with the community’s Clean and Green Programs
Location
Aborlan, situated in the stunning island of Palawan in the Philippines, known for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. Aborlan offers a serene escape for those seeking respite from the bustle of urban life. With its stunning beaches, lush forests, and incredible wildlife, the town invites adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its hidden gems. The projects are located approx 45 min outside the main city of Puerto Princesa where you will be warmly welcomed into the community.
Project Tasks
- Help local workers to conserve and plant new mangrove seedlings
- Educate the local community on enviornmental issues
- Plant mahogany and moringa seeds in the village
Food & Accommodation
The volunteer centre provides rooms shared with 4-8 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 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.
*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), with mainly local Philippino foods being served, including lots of vegetables, rice, fish, meat and eggs. Meals are served on site at the accommodation.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
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
-
1 Week - $370
-
2 Weeks - $465
-
3 Weeks - $695
-
1 Month - $865
-
2 Months - $1595
-
3 Months - $2390
- Private rooms in Abloran (dorm) cost additional $250 p/week, and in El Nido $500 p/week
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
- 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 love being outside and working as a team, plus caring for our environment, this could be the project for you. You will be having a direct impact on important conservation work, so this is a great chance to learn about environmental issues, whilst gaining practical experience.
- 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
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.
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.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). You must arrive between 10:00 – 17:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
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 airport the accommodation, it takes 1.5 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 the Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observation and Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinator
Dinner
Cultural Night
Tuesday
Breakfast
Tigman Village Mangrove Planting.
Headed back to the Accommodation Center
Lunch
Prepare Moringa Seeds and Making Eco – Bricks.
Dinner
Wednesday
Breakfast
Tigman Village Mangrove Planting.
Lunch
Preparing Lessons about Environmental Conservation.
Dinner
Thursday
Breakfast
Tigman Village Mangrove Planting
Headed back to the Accommodation Center
Lunch
Lecture and Educational Campaign about the Environmental Conservation at Local Public School.
Dinner
Karaoke Night
Friday
Breakfast
Tigman Village Mangrove Planting.
Headed back to the Accommodation Center.
Lunch
Making Signages about Environmental Conservation.
Dinner
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 conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
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.
- *No extra requirements
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: PH – Holidays – All Programs
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!
30 Years Non Profit 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.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
Safe & Responsible Projects
Work Experience & University Credits
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
