Do you know what the slogan of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism was? “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” Find out how to volunteer in the Philippines, and we promise you’ll understand why the Southeast Asian country has claimed this slogan.
Picturesque landscapes await when you decide to volunteer in the Philippines.
With its family-oriented culture, crystal-clear beaches, and beautiful islands, the Philippines is one of the best places to travel and volunteer. International volunteers who want to work close to nature will be interested to know that the country is home to the fifth-longest coastline in the world.
For those interested in community building, there are many opportunities related to childcare and teaching, both in cities and rural areas. Wherever you go in the Philippines, you’re sure to experience the benefits of volunteering abroad while living the slogan firsthand.
Does the Philippines have visa requirements for volunteering?
The volunteer visa requirements in the Philippines make signing up for the volunteer opportunity of a lifetime easy for most people. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, don’t need a visa to enter the Philippines for a stay that is shorter than 30 days.
So if you’re from a visa-free country and you’re only planning to stay for a few weeks, there are no volunteer visa requirements in the Philippines. For longer stays, you will need to renew your tourist visa at a nearby immigration office each month or apply for a long-term visa.
6 other requirements for volunteering in the Philippines
Keep these requirements to volunteer in the Philippines in mind as you prepare:
- Passport: Your passport needs to be valid for six months from the date of your entry to the Philippines. You also need to have space for an entry visa stamp.
- Age: There might be age requirements to volunteer in the Philippines. In most cases, you need to be over 18 years old.
- English proficiency: Your volunteering program will be in English but while you’re in the Philippines, it’s a good idea to learn some words in the language locals speak. The Philippines has hundreds of languages but Tagalog and Cebuano are the most common ones.
- Vaccination: Travelers coming to the Philippines from a country with yellow fever need to show proof of vaccination against the disease. There are no other mandatory vaccinations, but do check CDC’s list of recommended vaccines and medicines.
- Onward travel ticket: In some cases, immigration officers at the airport might ask to see your return ticket back home.
- Supporting documents: Some programs might require a CV and a motivation letter to make sure that your experience and interests align with the program.
How to volunteer in the Philippines
1. Decide when and where to go.
Want to volunteer with children? You’ll find many program options here.
There are many great places you can volunteer in the Philippines. For example, in Tacloban City, you can find community-based activities like teaching, childcare, and public health. In beach towns like Dauin, there are marine conservation programs where you can discover marine ecology and go scuba diving.
Keep in mind that the Philippines has a rainy season lasting from June to November and a dry season from December to May. The dry season is more popular among travelers who want to do as many outdoor activities as possible.
2. Choose a program.
Once you have an idea of the activities you want to do and where you want to go, start researching volunteer opportunities in the Philippines. Check the program length and read its description carefully to make sure it’s what you’re looking for. You might also want to inquire at your university to see if they have any partnerships with volunteer programs in the Philippines.
3. Make sure you fit the requirements and apply.
Double-check the program requirements such as age, required study fields, or prior volunteer experience. If you fit the requirements, apply. Keep in mind that some programs ask you to pay an application fee. Once you’re accepted to a program, you will receive a confirmation email and a welcome pack detailing what to do next.
4. Sort out your visa, vaccinations, and packing lists.
If you need a visa, apply for one well in advance. For vaccinations, consider making an appointment with your doctor to see if they have any specific recommendations.
Since the Philippines has a tropical climate, it’s smart to pack light for either the dry or rainy season. Do include a swimsuit and a rain jacket in any case.
5. Book your flight.
Your welcome pack will likely have information about the best way to get to the city where you’re volunteering. If not, your program mentors will be happy to answer any questions you may have about which airport to book your trip to (the Philippines has over 70 airports!), when to get to the Philippines, and any tips to buy cheap flights.
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 volunteer programs in the Philippines—it’s free!
How much does it cost to volunteer in the Philippines?
What you pay to volunteer in the Philippines will go a long way toward making a meaningful impact.
According to the volunteer programs listed in this article, the cost to volunteer in the Philippines starts from around $400 per week. You can expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,000 per month to volunteer in the Philippines, excluding flight tickets. You will also be responsible for any personal expenses, such as paying for your extra weekend trips and souvenirs you want to bring back home.
The price you’ll pay for volunteering in the Philippines typically includes:
- Accommodation: Most programs include a homestay with a local family or dormitories shared with fellow volunteers.
- Meals: Depending on the program, you will have two or three meals per day, most likely breakfast and dinner.
- Airport transfer: Many programs don’t charge extra for the transport from the airport to the accommodation and from the accommodation to the airport.
- Training: Any orientation or required training for you to perform your tasks will also be included.
- 24/7 support: Local staff or volunteers will be there to help you both before you leave for the Philippines and while you’re there for the program.
4 volunteer programs in the Philippines to consider
1. Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines!
- Why? Volunteer for the Visayans helps travelers immerse themselves in the Filipino culture through a homestay. They offer a wide range of projects, including volunteering at hospitals, helping at women’s shelters, teaching English, and more. On weekends, most volunteers take the opportunity to travel to other islands and see more of the country.
- Where? Tacloban City
- Read Volunteer for the Visayans reviews
2. Marine Research Fellow Internship in the Philippines
- Why? Marine science students, young researchers, and scuba divemasters, this opportunity is for you. Located in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, Dauin is an amazing place to dive and research coral reef ecosystems. This is a more technical volunteer opportunity that is more like an internship, but if you’re qualified, don’t miss it!
- Where? Dauin, Negros Oriental
- Read Roots Interns reviews
3. Childcare Volunteering in the Philippines
- Why? There is a limited number of early education centers and nurseries in the Philippines. As a result, volunteers play an important role in helping teachers educate children. This program takes you to Tacloban City, where you will help young disadvantaged children. On weekends, many volunteers go on excursions to explore nearby towns, visit historical sites, or chill at the beach.
- Where? Tacloban City
- Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
4. Volunteer and Teach English in the Philippines
- Why? In this program, you will live in the beautiful Palawan province and teach English alongside other subjects like basic-level math, arts and crafts, and science. When you’re not working, you will have the chance to take part in Filipino cooking classes, visit waterfalls in the region, and make pieces of jewelry with locals.
- Where? Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Rural Areas
- Read International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] reviews
Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE
Volunteering in the Philippines will be a uniquely transformative experience!
Now that you know how to volunteer in the Philippines, it’s time to start your adventure!
A country with 7,000 islands, beautiful nature, and hundreds of volunteer opportunities—the Philippines is waiting for you! Make a difference, meet new people, and island-hop while having the time of your life!
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