Volunteer work is one of the most rewarding ways to travel meaningfully because you see how your actions can impact others and enable them to live better lives. One of the co-founders of Refugee Welfare Association Cameroon shared that communities benefit from charity work in various ways. Helping vulnerable migrants by providing them with food items can prevent them from experiencing malnutrition and starvation. It can also prevent children, especially young girls, from abuse and harassment.
Today, more vulnerable communities need the help and support of aid workers. A recent report revealed that 274 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection this year, an increase from 235 million people a few years ago. So if you’re thinking about becoming a humanitarian worker or getting involved with humanitarian aid, now is the ideal time to take action.
Why volunteer in the Philippines?
The Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands, and numerous volunteer programs are available in different parts of the country. Because of this, volunteering in the Philippines can offer you various experiences from which you can learn and develop your skills as a humanitarian worker.
For instance, visiting local communities in rural areas can allow you to experience the common factors affecting quality of life. You will also be surrounded by supportive and welcoming people who are willing to share their stories and culture with you.
This is advantageous for volunteer workers to gain experiential knowledge. Although anyone can help people in at-risk populations and communities, most humanitarian aid professionals have theoretical and experiential learning backgrounds.
Apart from learning politics, human rights, and international relations, they must also go through several weeks of hands-on volunteering experiences to expose themselves to real-world problems.
Moreover, the Philippines is home to beautiful natural surroundings, which is perfect if you are someone who loves the (humid) outdoors. If you plan to volunteer near coastal areas, you can see the crystal clear waters where you can try diving and snorkeling activities. You can also hike in the mountains and witness the breathtaking views from above.
READ: Why is Humanitarian Aid Important?
8 top places to volunteer in the Philippines
1. Manila
Wondering where you can volunteer in the Philippines? Well, the capital Manila is one of the best places to volunteer in the Philippines because the location already offers various opportunities that are central and easy for visitors to access.
For example, you can volunteer in marginalized communities in Manila to help women, children, and those with disabilities overcome the massive effects of poverty. Some common projects involve providing education assistance for children and repairing houses for families. It's an opportunity for you to support and work with individuals from poverty-stricken communities and help them achieve a higher quality of living.
- Recommended program: Philippines with Globe Aware
2. Quezon
Also located not too far off the beaten path, you can offer a helping hand in nursing homes in different residential facilities in Quezon City. When you visit nursing homes for the elderly, you can spend time with them by assisting with meals, taking a stroll in the garden, or even simply having a pleasant conversation.
Your mere presence can sometimes be enough to enrich lives. If you’re a medical worker, visiting nursing homes can be a great volunteer opportunity, especially if you’re adept at handling elderly patients.
- Recommended program: Global Health in the Philippines
3. Puerto Princesa
Palawan is one of the most biodiverse islands in the Philippines, making environmental activities in Puerto Princesa City popular in the area. As a humanitarian worker, you can help the local community by teaching children about the importance of nature and joining projects that aim to protect the mangrove, mahogany, and moringa trees.
According to UNESCO, more than 75% of the mangroves are currently under threat, which can negatively affect ecosystems. Because of this, authorities in Palawan are actively executing initiatives to preserve the environment.
- Recommended program: Philippines - Renovation and Construction Effort in Palawan
4. El Nido
You can also work with children in El Nido in Palawan by introducing and teaching them the English language. As an English volunteer teacher, you will help care for the children, organize their classes, and create activities to enable them to practice their English skills.
By providing your assistance, you are empowering local kindergartens to expand their knowledge and opening more opportunities for them in the future. It’s a top volunteering destination since you can experience the beautiful island of Palawan in your off hours.
- Recommended program: Philippines - Teach Children in Palawan
5. Cebu
Cebu is one of the best places for volunteering in the Philippines, since it’s easy to navigate and not quite as busy or as populated as Manila. In Cebu, volunteer opportunities are available for individuals who want to participate in the heritage conservation efforts of the region or medical volunteering.
Volunteers who plan to spend the majority of their time in Cebu will develop a better understanding of the local culture by assisting in festivals centered around preserving the culture and nature, as well as interacting with the local youth. Since the city of Cebu is rich in history, it’s a great place to volunteer in the Philippines if your advocacy is for cultural preservation.
- Recommended program: Volunteer Medical Internships in the Philippines
6. Ormoc
Also located in the Visayas region, you can volunteer in the city of Ormoc to support some of the most under-served and underprivileged kids. With your help, you can inspire and educate street children to live better lives away from risks and life-threatening situations.
In addition, you can participate in a wide variety of local community-based projects, such as adolescent youth groups and local women’s shelters. You can also assist during outreach projects by building houses and distributing emergency relief and school supplies to those in need. If you’re interested in helping children in far-flung areas, Ormoc may be the volunteer destination for you.
- Recommended program: Volunteer at a Women's Shelter in the Philippines
7. Tacloban
Just outside Tacloban, health services in remote areas are still lacking, making it a top destination for volunteering in medicine and community development. By volunteering at a health clinic, you can provide support to understaffed and underfunded health centers in various rural towns around Tacloban.
Most volunteers assist medical staff in taking patient vitals, obtaining medical history, administering vaccinations, or developing education and outreach programs. Although these are usually done in local health and community centers, there will be opportunities where you will travel to outlying areas to reach more patients in vulnerable communities.
- Recommended program: Volunteer Abroad at a Community Center in the Philippines
8. Dumaguete
If you’re volunteering in the Philippines, there will be more than a few projects involved in marine conservation! Volunteer workers who are interested in biodiversity and marine ecosystems should check out volunteer opportunities in Dumaguete. When you join marine protection groups, you will mainly survey and document marine life and species to create relevant restoration projects.
If you’re not knowledgeable about or interested in marine biology, you can visit local schools and teach children essential information about the oceans to help promote ecological awareness for future generations. Although the region is away from the city, there are numerous activities to do in the area that makes it an excellent place to volunteer in the Philippines.
- Recommended program: Best Volunteer Programs in the Philippines
Get matched with 5 volunteer programs in the Philippines for FREE
Volunteering in the Philippines is a great way to make the world a better place!
The myriad of volunteer opportunities in the Philippines ensure that you can find something meaningful, no matter what you advocate for. And even without traveling to these locations in the Philippines, you have the power to change people's lives by supporting organizations that share your passion for human rights and volunteer work! You can send your donation to the GoAbroad Foundation and help one community at a time.