Many sites have discussed Philippine destinations and how nice it is to take a vacation there. These sites have featured the white beaches of Boracay and Pinoy hospitality. But have you thought of doing volunteer work while taking your holiday in the Philippines?
Here are some lists of Non-Government Organizations in the Philippines who seek volunteers from all over the world.
1. The Alouette Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.
2. Bahay Tuluyan
3. Bukas Palad Foundation, Inc. – Bukas Palad
4. Caritas Manila
5. Center for Community Transformation
8. Center for Promotion, Advocacy and protection of the Rights of the Child – (Lunduyan)
10. Development Action for Women Network Inc
11. Development Endeavors for Organized Sustainability Foundation, Inc. – DEOS
12. Educational Research and Development Assistance Foundation
13. End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes ECPAT
14. Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND)
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17. Harnessing Self-Reliant Initiatives and Knowledge
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19. KBCF Operation Paglingap Foundation
20. Kuya Drop-In Center of Street Children – KDIC
21. Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc.
22. Lingap Pagkabataan Inc
23. Malte Balik Dangal, Inc. Malate Catholic Church – MABADAN
24. Museo Pambata Foundation Inc
25. The National Council of Women of the Philippines
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27. People’s Recovery Empowerment and Development Assistance Foundation Inc. (PREDA)
28. Peace and Equity Foundation Inc
29. PINOY PLUS
30. Samaritana Transformation Ministries Inc.
31. Remedios Aids Foundation, Inc. – RAF
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33. VISAYAN FORUM FOUNDATION, INC.
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36. Jesuit Volunteers Philippines Foundation, Inc.
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41. GREENPEACE Southeast Asia
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48. Sagip Kapamilya (abs-cbn foundation)
49. Bantay Kalikasan (abs-cbn foundation)
50. Bantay Bata 163 (abs-cbn foundation)
And list goes on and on. . . .
It wouldn’t take much of your vacation time to volunteer. Usually it’s a short term volunteer work and can be arranged with these organizations. It is also best to contact them first prior to your travel date. Some of the organizations might also provide you with board and lodging while you are there depending on the number of people in the group. Or you can contact tour operators beforehand for assistance on your travel in the Philippines.
Most activities are fairly pleasant and easy. No special language or job skills are required, and volunteers are assisted by local coordinators. In contrast to ordinary vacation packages, volunteer vacations give participants the opportunity to interact with the locals and gain insight into their culture and way of life, while performing light work for several days or weeks at a time.
What kind of volunteer work awaits you in the Philippines (Short Term)?
There are a variety of activities that short-term volunteers can be involved in. They may teach English to children, teach job skills such as computer literacy, work at an orphanage or with handicapped children, build homes or schools, or work with environmental conservation projects. Some of the programs may be in remote locations, while others are based in cities or towns that provide certain urban amenities. Disaster relief is another field where short-term volunteers are always in high demand. Duties may include working at a relief shelter or delivering clothing and food to affected communities. In many cases volunteers are encouraged to bring clothing, essential supplies, and other items with them to donate to the volunteer project where they will be working.
What factors are to consider should you decide to volunteer in the Phils.?
1. Find the right program that would suit best you and your family’s interest. If you’re in the medical field you may join one of the medical missions conducted on the streets of manila. The children can share their time reading children short stories with the street kids. Or your wife may be interested teaching some home cooking or livelihood program to women’s shelters. The possibilities are endless . To make your volunteer work more enjoyable be sure that it satisfies your interest.
2. Find out how much you will actually be involved in the project, and how many days you will be working. Some volunteer vacations offer a balance between tourist activities and volunteer work, while other travel packages only include a day or two at a local aid project.
3. Do it yourself or Volunteer vacation package? I have listed some of the NGOs in the Philippines and you may contact them direct for volunteer opportunities or you may link with some tour operators that may charge a fee. There are also Volunteer Placement organizations that specializes in this kind of vacation.
4. Cost of your volunteer vacation. Travel Insurance, Medical Insurance, vISA, airfare , accomodations etc. Although cost of living expenses in the Philippines is quite small compared to other countries so it should not be much of a concern.
5. Do your own research. Informational materials are readily available in the internet that may aid you in your short stay in the Philippines. It pays to be knowledgeable with the Philippine setting before embarking on your journey. Preparing a checklist outlining what to expect is the best thing to do.
Volunteer opportunities in the Philippines awaits those people with a good heart and wanting to make a difference for the good of the humanity. Go pack your bathing suit, buy a ticket to Philippine paradise but don’t forget to bring along your desire to make an impact to the world by sharing your time and blessings with the less fortunate.
My Wanderful Life 