Volunteer Programs in Puerto Princesa, Philippines

I was looking for an escape from my comfortable lifestyle at home in Canada. I wanted to share my passion helping others less fortunate than myself. I searched international volunteering programs, have volunteered in four countries in 2025, and can truly say these experiences have changed my life. How do you feel when an elderly person in a old people's home in Zambia begs you to stay with them and share stories and smiles? What happens to you when the school children in Ghana hug you so tight you lose your breath? What overtakes your mind when you introduce positive ideas to women in an impoverished village in Sri Lanka, and see them take possession of new personal empowerment? Let me tell you. It grabs you by the heart and nourishes your soul. It makes you want to come back again and again. Which is exactly what I plan to do in 2026.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) volunteer program, spending a week in one of their placements. Overall, it was an eye-opening experience, and I’m glad I took part in it. While there were a few aspects that left me with some questions, the positive aspects of the experience, especially the local team, stood out to me and made the trip memorable. First, let me start with the things that really impressed me. The local team was absolutely fantastic. They were welcoming, supportive, and deeply passionate about the work they were doing. It was clear that they were committed to making a difference in the community, and their enthusiasm was contagious. Whether we were working at the school or engaging with the local people, the staff were always there to guide and ensure that we were having the most meaningful experience possible. I truly felt that I was contributing to something bigger than myself, and I could see how much the locals appreciated the help. Additionally, I learned a great deal during my time with IVHQ. From the daily interactions with the local staff to the skills I developed working at the school, it was a valuable educational experience. I was able to learn about the local culture, the challenges the community faces, and the different ways that volunteers can make a meaningful impact. The program also gave me a unique perspective on development work and the role that foreign volunteers can play in assisting, rather than overshadowing, local initiatives. However, as much as I enjoyed the experience, there were a few concerns that stayed with me after I left. The most prominent was the cost. While I understand that volunteer programs often require funding to operate, I couldn’t help but wonder if the money I was paying was going directly towards the school or the local community I was working with. It seemed like a considerable amount of money for just one week, and I wasn’t entirely clear on how the funds were being allocated. I would have liked more transparency about how my contribution was being used, especially since the program was marketed as a way to support local projects. In fairness, IVHQ does provide a lot of logistics, such as accommodation, meals, and support throughout the program, which made it easier for me as a volunteer to focus on the work itself. The local staff were also top-notch, making sure everything ran smoothly and making us feel welcome from day one. But, given the cost, I would have appreciated more direct reassurance that the funds were going to support the community we were there to help. Despite the financial concerns, I would still say that my time with IVHQ was a rewarding experience. The opportunity to volunteer in a different country, meet new people, and contribute to a meaningful cause was incredibly valuable. The program allowed me to gain a new perspective on both volunteerism and international development, and it definitely inspired me to think more critically about the ways we support and empower local communities. In conclusion, while IVHQ’s volunteer program offers an excellent learning experience, it's worth considering the costs and the transparency regarding where your money goes. The local team was amazing, and the experience itself was enriching, but a little more clarity around financial aspects would help make this program even better.