11 Comprehensive Volunteer Opportunities in the Philippines

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand smack dab in the middle of what feels like a photo-shopped photo? You’ll discover that feeling first hand in the Philippines! That’s just how insanely vibrant the views are. So pack your bags and get ready to be adding #nofilterneeded to every single one of your pics on the ‘Gram during volunteer programs in the Philippines!

Can I volunteer in the Philippines for free?

Unfortunately, everything comes at a cost. Volunteering is no different. Even though you are giving your time freely to an organization, there are (and always will be) costs associated with the help that volunteers give — think material resources, required transportation, housing, and so on.

You will need to factor in personal expenses such as flights and daily costs as well. So, while it’s not possible to volunteer for the low, low cost of completely free, it is perfectly doable to volunteer for the low, low cost of affordable.

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11 impactful volunteer programs in the Philippines

1. ELI Abroad – Experiences to Change Your Life

A small non-profit organization, ELI Abroad specializes in small and individualized programs. ELI Abroad stands apart from the rest thanks to their knowledgeable staff, low program fees, and relationships in the local communities founded on several years of trust and respect. What’s even better? The organizations that ELI Abroad partners with are oftentimes those organizations without the means and resources to recruit volunteers on their own, so you can be sure your time and efforts are much needed.

Where? Tacloban City
When? Flexible start dates year round
How much? $1,055 for one month (program duration ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months)
Causes? Community Development, Education, Women, Health Education, Youth Development
Read ELI Abroad reviews

2. Volunteer in the Philippines

Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) aims to address community issues at the grassroots level. A well-rounded program, VFV works collaboratively with other community organizations to provide comprehensive services to the community — which means there are a lot of different areas you can contribute to! Experience authentic life in the Philippines through your time with your homestay and working proudly for a great cause. In your down time, travel to nearby islands and enjoy beautiful, clear water!

Where? Tacloban City
When? Up to 12 weeks; year-round
How much? $800 for two weeks, $80 for each additional week
Causes? Social Welfare, Community Development, Education, Public Health
Read Volunteer for the Visayans reviews

3. Volunteer in Childcare in the Philippines

IVHQ has helped thousands of ambitious volunteers like yourself since its beginning in 2007. Their support includes interactive volunteer training through your My IVHQ account and an experienced local team that welcomes you on arrival. They also strive to keep costs as low as possible to help you volunteer in the Philippines without having to dig too deep for spare change. They are able to accomplish this by partnering directly with local organizations. Additionally, IVHQ has partnerships with local tour agencies to make sure you also have just as much fun outside of your volunteer placement as you do in it.

Where? Puerto Princesa
When? Up to 24 weeks; year-round
How much? From $260 for one week
Causes? Education, Environment, Building and Construction Projects
Read IVHQ reviews

4. Music Volunteering in the Philippines

Musically inclined? Share your musical passion and talents through Performing Arts Abroad’s unique volunteer opportunities in the Philippines! Teach music and provide a valuable artistic outlet to low income children in community centers, rehabilitation centers, or schools where you’ll work. You’ll make memorable connections through not only your volunteer work but also through the homestay experience and fellow volunteers.

Where? Tacloban City
When? Up to 8 weeks; multiple start dates from May to August
How much? $1,620 for two weeks, $90 for each additional week
Causes? Music, Education
Read Performing Arts Abroad reviews

5. Volunteer in the Philippines with World Endeavors

Find yourself in Palawan, one of the Philippines’ 7,000 islands, surrounded by stunningly blue seas backdropped by lush green forests. Here, World Endeavors offers volunteer programs in the Philippines in unique placements in mangrove conservation, healthcare, or agricultural conservation among other opportunities. Combine your goal of volunteering and community development in this exciting and immersive experience.

Where? Puerto Princesa
When? Up to 12 weeks; year-round
How much? $1,790 for one week, $300 for each additional week
Causes? Children and Childcare, Building and Construction Projects, Environment, Health, Agriculture, Education
Read World Endeavors reviews

6. Nursing Internships in the Philippines – Iloilo

Work the World is your door to an alluring and one-of-a-kind volunteer experience immersed in the field of healthcare. In this program you’ll have a learning exchange opportunity with local nurses who are as eager to learn from you as you are from them. You’ll also be able to engage in specialized healthcare. For example, volunteer in an animal bite clinic or within pediatric care.

Where? Iloilo
When? Up to 12 weeks; year-round
How much? $2,290 for one week, $250 for each additional week
Causes? Health, Health Education, Special Needs
Read Work the World reviews

7. Work in a Rural Health Clinic in the Philippines

Kaya puts a spotlight on responsible travel, addressing the organization’s responsibilities, the volunteer’s role, and addressing ethical concerns. Kaya’s volunteer programs in the Philippines are all community-based, and range from working in a free medical clinic, to nutrition, to media and photography, to women’s empowerment projects. No matter your skills and interests, your help will be valued! In your free time, make friends with your fellow volunteers and explore the local surroundings.

Where? Tacloban City
When? Year-round
How much? Costs differ by program type
Causes? Community Centers, Healthcare, Nutrition, Health Education, Women
Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews

8. Gap Year Abroad with Projects Abroad

Safety? Check! Hassle-free travel? Check! Making a real impact? Check! These are the three pillars that every Projects Abroad program is committed to. Geared specifically towards young adults, Projects Abroad allows you to add oomph to your resume with gained cross-cultural awareness, confidence, and independence. All of this, plus helping a community and having a lot of fun while doing it! With over 25 years of experience in running impactful volunteer trips, you can trust that your trip with Projects Abroad will be one for the books.

Where? Bogo, San Remigio
When? Year-round
How much? Costs differ by program type
Causes? Children and Childcare, Medicine, Health, Building and Construction Projects
Read Projects Abroad reviews

9. Southern Leyte Reef Conservation Project

Do you know what the Coral Triangle is? It’s an area of 6 million square kilometers that is home to whale sharks, turtles, manta rays, and a whole array of other marine life — and part of this home is in the Philippines! Partnered with the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte, Coral Cay Conservation works with researchers, volunteers, and a team of educators to collectively protect this area that is home to countless sea critters. Note that volunteers are required to be PADI Advanced Open Water divers and dive training is available on-site.

Where? Rural areas
When? Up to 12 weeks; year-round
How much? From $1,267 for one week
Causes? Conservation, Environment, Wildlife
Read Coral Cay Conservation reviews

10. Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Volunteer World can help you compare your volunteer opportunities in the Philippines. They showcase a variety of projects ranging from big programs to small niche grassroot efforts. They also offer a refund guarantee! If your project is canceled for any reason, your money goes back into your pocket. Additionally, all of the programs available through their website are quality checked so you can be assured that your time and effort are truly supporting a good cause. This coupled with their high ethical standards makes Volunteer World worth your consideration for your volunteer work in the Philippines!

Where? Tacloban City, Rural Areas
When? Up to 12 weeks; year-round
How much? From $130 per week
Causes? Youth Development, Education, Public Health, Women, Marine Conservation
Read Volunteer World reviews

11. Affordable Volunteer Abroad Programs

Catering to a range of volunteers, high school students on Spring Break, families volunteering together, and gap year travelers, every type of expat can find fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities in the Philippines with Volunteering Solutions. Volunteering Solutions programs run from 2 to 12 weeks in length, and offer a volunteer certificate upon completion. Aside from the invaluable volunteer work you’ll be completing, you’ll also have ample time to explore your new surroundings, and Volunteering Solutions makes it easy to choose where with their weekend travel list options available on their website.

Where? Ormoc, Tacloban City
When? Up to 12 weeks; year-round
How much? Costs differ by program type
Causes? Public Health, Medicine, Building and Construction Projects, Children and Childcare
Read Volunteering Solutions reviews

Go to the Philippines, volunteer abroad, and make a difference!

You have no idea the impact that volunteer programs in the Philippines will have on YOU.

While standing in that photo-shopped picture may sound pretty amazing, the truth is you’re here searching for something with more depth. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you volunteer abroad in the Philippines. The real memorable moments will be when you’re surrounded by community members, teaching children, working alongside local nurses in a health clinic, or any number of other volunteer tasks. The stunning viewscapes surrounding you will just be the cherry on top. So what are you waiting for? Plan your Philippines volunteer abroad trip today and recruit all your friends to join in the rewarding fun!