Philippines Construction & Renovation

Palawan, Philippines

APPLY NOW

WEEKLY STARTING EVERY MONDAY

MINIMUM

1 WEEK

PRICES FROM

£359

  • OVERVIEW

  • INCLUSIONS

  • FAQS

This program is based in a beautiful village in Palawan, a peaceful community surrounded by lush landscapes and natural beauty. While the area boasts a rich culture and close-knit residents, the village needs more infrastructure and resources.

This program aims to enhance the quality of life in the village by constructing and renovating essential structures such as schools, healthcare centres, homes, and community spaces. By participating, you’ll help create safe, functional environments that support education, health, and social life. You’ll work alongside local teams and international participants, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the community’s culture and way of life.

 

Program Highlights

  • Help improve essential community facilities and infrastructure.
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture, traditions, and way of life.
  • Collaborate with a diverse team of volunteers and locals.
  • Work a minimum of 4 hours daily, making a meaningful contribution to the community.
  • Make a lasting impact on a community in need.

Participant Roles

  • Assist in constructing and renovating schools, community halls, and homes.
  • Paint walls, repair furniture, and build communal facilities.
  • Dig, assemble, and arrange construction materials.
  • Ensure safe use of tools and seek guidance from coordinators when needed

Aims & Objectives

  • Improve the quality of life for underprivileged citizens in and around the village in Palawan.
  • Assist the locals of Palawan with construction and renovation efforts in an organised team
  • Create cultural exchange opportunities through our efforts with the locals
  • Give you some practical experience in light construction and renovation work.

Standard Shared Accommodation (4-8 pax) Sunday-Saturday noon of the last week

3 meals per day during weekdays and 2 meals per day during weekends

Beverages

Pick up upon your arrival during the regular pick-up time (Sundays 10:00-17:00) and transportation during the program as per the scheduled activities

Program materials, tools, and equipment needed for environmental activities

Training and supervision by experienced local project coordinators

24/7 Local team support 

Start Dates & Minimum Duration

This volunteer program runs all year round and starts every Monday. However, we recommend arriving on the Sunday to check into your accommodation and prepare for your program to start the following morning.

 

Please note that program start dates could be affected by local holidays. However, we will give you as much notice as possible if any days of your program may overlap with holidays.

 

The minimum duration of this program is 1 week, please contact us if you would like to volunteer for longer.

What are the requirements to take part in this program?

Program Requirements:

  • Age limit: 18-65
  • Minimum basic level of English
  • Proof of DBS check required
  • Proof of travel insurance required
  • Copy of passport required
  • Genuine interest in construction and community development.
  • Physical fitness and ability to engage in manual labor and construction tasks.
  • Energy, patience, and adaptability to work in a team and diverse environments.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Respect for local culture, customs, and community values.
  • Willingness to follow safety protocols and work under supervision.

What is my working schedule?

Monday: Welcome & OrientationMorning:

  • Meet your team! We’ll introduce the program, go over house rules, set expectations, and share essential health and safety tips.
  • Learn about Filipino culture: Understand the local do's and don'ts, dress codes, and take a basic Filipino language lesson.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the town centre and surrounding areas to get familiar with your new surroundings.
  • Need a SIM card? We’ll help you set it up so you can stay connected.

Evening:

  • Meet with the program coordinators to discuss the week’s activities.
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow participants to bond and relax before the start of your work.

Tuesday to Friday

  • Spend your days working on construction and renovation projects. Help improve the community while learning practical skills and making a positive difference.

Note: Program will have a minimum of 4 hours a day.

 

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

 

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

 

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
  • Filipino Do's and Don'ts, Dress Codes,  Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Project Meetings, Observations, Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
  • Dinner
  • Cultural Night

What's the accommodation like?

Your accommodation is located in a small and laid back area just outside of Puerto Princesa City. It is a two hour drive from the City of Puerto Princesa. In addition, our centre is located near the beach where you can relax during your spare time or after the program schedules.You can also watch the sunrise and sunsets on the beach alongside other participants. 

 

This centre houses all participants in our programs around Palawan. It is built with many natural elements and has a tropical beach look to them! You’ll be sleeping on bunk beds and we have limited laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand, unless you’d like to use the laundry service here for a small fee.

 

Standard rooms will be shared with between 4-8 other participants and you will also have a shared bathroom.

What meals are included?

Three good meals are provided every day of the program, scheduled at 8AM for Breakfast, 12PM. for Lunch and 6PM for Dinner, and on weekends only brunch and dinner.

Food will be mainly typical local and western dishes. Since we are in Asia, rice is a staple! We will serve rice but we also serve pasta, noodles, sea food, chicken and pork, vegetables and fruits.

For breakfast, we may have eggs, sausages, oatmeal, bread, pancakes, coffee and tea. However, meals will also be served based on your dietary requirements.

 

Typically, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will usually be served at the Accommodation Centre, however, for participants having outdoor activities or placement, you will have a packed lunch or take lunch at the local restaurants nearby.

 

You are also free to explore the local area and local dishes during your spare time or on the weekends but at your own cost and expense.

What can I do in my free time?

Monday (Nultural Night)

We put on a weekly production called Cultural Night. Cultural Night is an event/activity aimed to celebrate and showcase Filipino culture, history, traditions and customs through dances. It is further a momentous event to welcome all the participants across the globe to have some glimpse of the rich and vibrant culture of the country’s cultural heritage, introduction and socialisation amongst other participants. It is also a perfect time where some participants have the opportunities to share and express their learning experiences and appreciation throughout their stay.

During the cultural night, the participants will surely fill their eyes with different Philippine folk dances performed by the local people or groups of local cultural groups wearing dazzling and amazing traditional clothes. Folk Dances celebrates the cultural roots of a particular group of people in the country. Some kinds of folk dances tell a culture’s foundational stories, while others may simply emphasise cultural pride.

On the other hand, Tinikling, a rhythmic dance performed with bamboo poles, is perhaps the most popular dance in the Philippines being performed during the cultural night, where its roots originate from the Province of Leyte. Officially the National Dance of the country, Tinikling, is inspired by the movement of the tikling birds, which the dance is aptly named after. Other popular folk dances being performed are Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Sayaw sa Bangko, Itik - Itik, Pantomina and many more.

Finally, one of the highlights of the said event, is the performance of the Popular Folk dance or popularly known as “Solteros” - Palawan Official Dance where all the performers, the staff and the participants will perform altogether. What a great start.

 

Thursday Night

Thursday at 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm, we will be having a Karaoke Night. This activity will give you and other participants a time for relaxation, socialization, a welcome party for new comers and at the same time a farewell party for the participants who will end their programs.

There you can enjoy the whistling sound of the wind and breeze as the activity took place at one of the Beach bars situated nearby. You can also have some fun dancing to the music, singing at the top of your lungs, chill and relax, deep conversation with fellow participants and make sure to have the best time of your stay.

Come on and join in with us as we sing your favourite tunes and have a musical trip down memory lane. It’s not about having the best voice, however, it is about having the most fun!

 

Sights & Surroundings:

Coron Bay: Found at the northwest of Palawan (between Busuanga and Culion islands) is known for being one of the best wreck diving locations in the world.

 

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: Located 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa and has recently been voted one of the new 7 wonders of nature.

 

El Nido Getaways. A 7 - hour bus drive from the center but the trip is worth it with its majestic rock formation, crystal clear blue water in the lagoons, sand beaches and island hopping is definitely one of the most awesome things that you can do. It's good to experience this during your weekend offs.

Port Barton.You can enjoy sand beaches and island hopping, local foods and more.

Puerto Princesa Quick Trip. You can visit the Islands in Honda Bay such as Cowrie islands in Puerto Princesa. Aside from that, you can also visit the Balayong Park, Bay Walk, Butterfly garden and more.

Visit Aborlan Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore the abundant natural beauty of Aborlan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to various plant and animal species. Take a guided tour to learn about the local flora and fauna and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Discover Mangrove Forests: Take a boat tour through the mangrove forests of Aborlan. Witness the unique ecosystem and learn about the importance of mangroves in coastal conservation. You may also have the opportunity to spot diverse bird species.

Enjoy Nature Trails: Take a leisurely stroll or go hiking on the nature trails in Aborlan. Experience the lush greenery, listen to the sounds of nature, and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. It's a great way to connect with the natural surroundings.

Visit Malatgao Mangrove Ecopark: Explore the Malatgao Mangrove Ecopark and learn about the importance of mangroves in sustaining the coastal ecosystem. Take a boat ride through the mangrove forests, walk on the wooden walkways, and enjoy the serene ambiance.

Savor Waterfalls Adventure. Take an instagrammable photo with Estrella WaterFall located at Narra Palawan. Have some fun with cold waterfalls and monkeys hanging around the trees.

Try Local Delicacies: Taste the local flavors of Aborlan by trying traditional Palawan dishes. Visit local eateries or food stalls to savor specialties like "tamilok" (a woodworm delicacy), grilled seafood, and other Filipino dishes.
 

What facilities will I have access to?
  • Safety box available at main accommodation
  • WiFi (service may be low due to location and weather, a local SIM is also recommended)
  • Bed linen
  • Air Conditioning
  • Fan
  • There are ATM’s & Western Union transfers available in the town of Narra. Here, you can also find all necessary amenities such as banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, local restaurants, local bars, public markets, parks and many more.

What to Bring

What to Bring:

  • Modest clothing (covers knees and shoulders)
  • Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes
  • Work specific clothing (old, durable clothes for construction)
  • Personal toiletries such as soaps, toothpaste, towel
  • Flight info, insurance, visas, and vaccination certificates

Airport Pickup

An airport pick up is included on Sundays between 10:00-17:00. We highly recommend booking your flights to arrive during this pickup window.

 

If you're unable to make the pickup window, please contact us to let us know that you can make your own way to us, and/or arrange a special transfer and accommodation at an extra cost.

 

The arrival airport is PPS (Puerto Princesa International Airport). The drive to your accommodation from the airport is around 1.5 hours.

Secure your spot for only £49!

PRICES FROM ONLY £359

Apply Now