I feel that I gained so much from the experience, not only did I get to be immersed in new cultures, but I also took away the fact that I have made a real positive impact on someone's life. The other volunteers were amazing, and were so friendly, and the staff as well.
Construction and Renovation Volunteer Project in the Philippines - Palawan
Purpose
Improve infrastructure for the local community
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Active volunteers who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved in a range of activities that are important to the local community at the time. You’ll be working alongside the local team so no experience is necessary, but skilled volunteers are welcome too.
Project details
Excited to build a brighter future as a Construction and Renovation volunteer in the Philippines? International Volunteer HQ’s Construction and Renovation project enables volunteers to assist with building and maintenance tasks at local schools and medical centres. Volunteers gain construction and renovation experience while helping to upgrade and improve these facilities so they are safer, more useful and more attractive for the people they serve.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Medical centres daycares and schools all perform important community services, but many in under-resourced communities in the Philippines find it hard to keep up with building maintenance. Volunteers make a meaningful impact by helping to beautify and maintain these spaces so they’re attractive and functional for members of the community to use.
As a Construction and Renovation volunteer, you’ll help with light building work around Palawan. The project is set up so you’ll spend time contributing to tasks that are in the most urgent need for assistance at the time. That means you’re likely to help on a number of different sites during your time volunteering. A flexible approach to working wherever your help is required will help you to add the most value as a volunteer. Volunteer duties vary but can include:
- Renovations
- Interior and exterior painting
- Restoration and repairs
- Carpentry
- Landscaping
Why do Construction and Renovation volunteering in Palawan with IVHQ?
As a volunteer builder in the Philippines you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving infrastructure for local communities
- Seeing the physical results of your volunteer work
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining construction and renovation experience
- Immersing yourself in Filipino culture
- Exploring the island of Palawan
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- To respect the local culture and customs in Philippines, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Philippines photo gallery
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ School Holidays project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
Typical volunteer transport
Exploring Narra Market during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Kento Ogawa
30 Jul 2024
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Tearna Schumann
17 Jun 2024
More solo travel confidence. I've been humbled and made more grateful for the experience. I feel less sheltered from other cultures, especially within a village that isn't a tourist destination.
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Grace Claudio
02 Apr 2024
I have gained so much from this program. Being able to experience a different culture was indescribable. Learning how the people live and how happy they are with the little they have is very humbling. Surviving with little resources, power outages and intermittent water shut downs has been quite the experience. I love it at Tigman Village. I cannot wait to come back and hopefully for a longer time.
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Amy Isherwood
04 Mar 2024
Volunteering in Tigman village is the best decision I have ever made!
As a solo traveler I was initially nervous to be making the trip alone, but the local team and other volunteers made it feel like a family from day one. Seeing first hand how much of an impact the volunteers made on the community and getting to know the locals and their way of life was so rewarding. It really makes you realize what's important in life!
Spending time teaching English to the children in school always uplifted our spirits and made us smile and helping to build a house for Lola (grandma). It is something I still can't believe I was a part of. It's amazing to see the direct change you are making to someone's life and I'm grateful to have learned so much and built life long friendships in return. It's an experience I think about everyday.
My advice for volunteering in the Phillipines... is to go for it! You wont regret it for a second.
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Ella Rudico
27 Feb 2024
My journey commenced with a culturally rich and purposeful project (putting up a school fence/wall). This marked the start of a series of impactful experiences - from helping with the construction at Elementary and kindergarten schools, to conservation efforts on the Environmental project (picking seedling and planting mangroves). Over time, my volunteering focus shifted from construction to environmental, fueled by a self awareness.
Through IVHQ, I've witnessed both environmental degradation and hopeful initiatives, shaping my role as a Mother Nature advocate. As my volunteering horizon expanded, so did the meaningful connections. From like-minded volunteers turned dear friends, to the invaluable encounters with local communities, each experience enriched my life. IVHQ's safe and supportive platform enabled this transformative journey, urging me to encourage others, especially the students, and people from foreign countries to embark on this adventure of giving back while exploring the world.
IVHQ trips are a true adventure and an intimate experience. You live, you feel and you love the people and the country. The IVHQ staff become your family, the fellow volunteers become your friends. I have always been respected and treated well by all. The cook would prepare sumptuous and healthy meals in accordance with everyone's diet, and food preferences (vegan and vegetarian).
There is no age limit to volunteering, there is no limit to giving… I have found the road to a fulfilling retirement! Volunteering globally broadened my horizons and enhanced my experience. I chose IVHQ due to its stellar online reviews and easy application process. Being in the construction and environmental conservation program in the Philippines was amazing. This will surely not be the last. I have so many amazing memories of my volunteer experiences, way too many to list them all.
For anyone considering their first volunteer trip with IVHQ, Philippines I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to take the plunge! You’ll meet amazing people and create lifelong memories - you won't regret it!
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Mathew Green
04 May 2023
Meeting all of the other volunteers and learning about their stories was one of the best moments from the program. It was so great to work with like minded people and contribute to the same purpose. The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was working at the school repairing a classroom and all of the children coming up to me and thanking me for my work. This made me feel like the work I was doing was worthwhile and I felt a part of their community. It is truly an unforgettable experience, the good and the bad make it all worthwhile at the end of the day.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Set in the western Pacific ocean, the Philippines is a collection of incredible islands that are home to nearly 110 million people known for their friendly smiles. With a multicultural population and a newly industrialized economy, cities in the Philippines have been making great strides towards reducing poverty. However, in the country’s more remote areas low-income communities still struggle to access basic necessities like healthcare and education. Volunteers are valued in these areas for the help they provide to local schools, community services and initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for those outside the main centres.
IVHQ’s Philippines program is set in the Arborlan District on Palawan - an island often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With turquoise waters lapping at the edges of white sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class diving spots, it’s a coastal paradise to rival any place you could dream of. Volunteers will stay near the remote Tigman Village on the east coast of Palawan.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation is held every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Palawan on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) between 10am and 5pm. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Tigman Village. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are travelling in the Philippines prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Puerto Princesa on the day before your program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in the Philippines, a One-Day Orientation and an Introduction Week.
The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in the Philippines, including an introduction to the IVHQ Philippines program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the projects, take a walking tour of the local area and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Introduction Week: The Introduction Week begins on the first and third Monday of each month and your volunteer program will commence the following week or you can start the week before if this works better with your schedule. The Introduction Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino culture, a true appreciation of life in the Philippines and bond with fellow volunteers while also taking a cooking class, necklace or bracelet making, and touring local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in the Philippines. The Introduction Week has an additional cost of US$367 (approximately AU$590).
If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate your interest in this option on your application form when you apply for the program or you can let your Program Manager know once you’ve been accepted on the program.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays: After the initial orientation week, you will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day, depending on the project and your placement. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with fellow volunteers. |
| 9:00 - 11:30 AM | Volunteers work at their placements. |
| 11:30 AM | Volunteers break for lunch. If volunteers are unable to return to the volunteer accommodation, they will be given a packed lunch. |
| 1:30 - 2:00 PM | Work at the placement resumes (except Childcare volunteers, who use their afternoons to prepare for the following day) |
| 3:30 - 4:00 PM | Work ends and volunteers have free time to explore the local area. |
| 5:00 - 6:00 PM | Dinner with fellow volunteers. |
Weekends: Volunteers have weekends free to relax and explore Palawan and the Philippines. In Tigman Village, the closest place to your accommodation, you can visit the colourful daily local markets and shop for fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, clothes and street food. You’ll also be able to step out the door of the volunteer accommodation and onto the beach for a swim.
As well as this, there’s a stunning number of things to do further afield in Palawan. This incredible island is known for its natural beauty, exotic and endangered wildlife and having a wide range of interesting things to see and explore. You could find yourself battling frothy rapids while white-water rafting, island-hopping to visit the picturesque spots at El Nido where major Hollywood movies were filmed, wandering the length of one of the world’s longest beaches, cruising down an underground river or relaxing poolside with a cool drink in hand.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in dormitory-style accommodation in Tigman Village. Volunteers should expect to share a room with up to seven other volunteers of the same gender. The accommodation has air-conditioning in the bedrooms. Bedding is provided and includes a bottom sheet, thin blanket and a pillow.
There is a shared bathroom with western toilets and showers with cold running water (nice and refreshing in the hot weather!) A fridge is available to store your personal food items and there is an area for hand-washing laundry.
Couples, families or individuals who want more privacy have an option to upgrade to private room accommodation. Private rooms are subject to availability and therefore you must arrange this well in advance of your program.
There is WiFi available at the volunteer house for volunteers to use during their time on the program. However it is important to note that power outages are common so this can’t be relied upon. We therefore recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card with data when you arrive in the Philippines.
Meals
Volunteers are served breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays with just two meals provided on weekends. Breakfast consists of bread and spreads with tea or coffee, while lunch and dinner are local Filipino cuisine. Rice is a staple in the Philippines and most meals will include a portion of rice, accompanied by two or more dishes which will be a combination of vegetables, meat or seafood cooked in local spices and sauces.
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer social area
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer social area
Private room upgrade
Private room upgrade
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer resources area
IVHQ volunteer resources area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Private bedroom upgrade
Private bedroom upgrade
IVHQ volunteer hotel upgrade
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
IVHQ volunteers eating a meal
IVHQ volunteers serve a meal
IVHQ local team prepares a meal
IVHQ volunteers eating a meal
IVHQ local team prepares a meal
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer transport
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$481), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$481) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $440 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 2 weeks | $642 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 3 weeks | $884 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,106 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,328 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,550 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,994 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,438 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,882 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 16 weeks | $3,770 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,658 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,546 Equivalent to $33/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$481) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Philippines generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from volunteer project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Palawan
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Palawan program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from the accommodation back to Puerto Princesa International Airport arranged by our local team.
AU$115
Philippine Introduction Week
Introduction Week for the Philippines
AU$590
Self-contained private cabin upgrade
Upgrade to a self-contained private cabin
From AU$428
Check what's required to visit the Philippines
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Manila |
| Population | 108 million |
| Languages | Filipino, English |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) |
| Time zone | UTC+08:00 |
Weather and climate: The Philippines has a hot and humid climate all year round, with average temperatures between 25°C and 28°C (77°F to 83°F). The hottest months are April through to May, where the average temperature sits above 30°C (86°F). The dry season runs from January through to June. The wet season runs from July through to December.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
