Philippines Village Healthcare Program

Palawan, Philippines

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WEEKLY STARTING EVERY MONDAY

MINIMUM

1 WEEK

PRICES FROM

£359

  • OVERVIEW

  • INCLUSIONS

  • FAQS

The municipality situated on the central island of Palawan, aims to eradicate public health problems through healthcare programs. However, there are limited numbers of medical and healthcare workers - and that’s where your help and assistance is much needed!

 

A large number of people, particularly in the rural districts remote from the major cities' hospitals, live below the subsistence level. Because they lack the money to pay for their medical requirements, people of these communities typically travel to the nearby healthcare units, clinics, or centres for free medical care. This project will be conducted at the Rural Health Unit which serves as the main source of free healthcare for communities around the town. It aims to improve the health of the general public, especially those who live below the subsistence level, and to eradicate and eliminate public health problems.

 

Our healthcare education initiative requires the expertise of both experienced medical and healthcare professionals as well as those interested in teaching basic first-aid and personal hygiene. The great extremes in hygiene and health practices necessitate the need for project participants on either end of the medical spectrum. We need participants who can educate people on basic first-aid and personal hygiene, such as washing hands, brushing teeth, and general cleanliness, and qualified professionals to conduct health camps and dental checkups. This contributes to the prevention of many preventable health issues and diseases.

 

As a participant in this project, you will mainly join the teaching and awareness activities in schools and around the village. You can actively teach the importance of basic hygiene, emphasising proper tooth brushing, hand washing, and general body cleanliness. Many daily routines we carry out without thinking are not common practices with the children we will meet, but starting simple education early can go a long way for immediate and future healthcare.

 

Aims & Objectives:

  • Tend to the healthcare needs of the rural community of Palawan
  • Gain insight into a rural healthcare unit/clinic
  • Provides you with practical work experience in the medical field.

Standard Shared Accommodation (4-8 pax) 

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

Beverages

Airport pickup during the scheduled pick up time (Sundays 10:00-17:00)

Orientation Day

Filipino Language Lesson

Cultural Night & Karaoke Night

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
  • Copy of detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) - please also bring a hard copy to the placement
  • Proof of DBS check required
  • Proof of travel insurance required
  • Copy of passport required
  • Required medical background – studying on a pre-medical track, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational/physical therapy, or working in a relevant field.

What is my working schedule?

Monday

  • Breakfast
  • 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 Local Area and arrange a SIM card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Project Meetings and Preparations for the Healthcare lesson to be taught in school
  • Dinner
  • Cultural Night

Tuesday

  • Breakfast
  • Visit the Rural Health Unit and Hospital
  • Lunch
  • Teaching Healthcare education to the school children
  • Dinner

Wednesday

  • Breakfast
  • Working at the Rural Health Unit
  • Lunch
  • Working at the Hospital
  • Dinner

Thursday

  • Breakfast
  • Working at the Hospital
  • Lunch
  • Visit and check-up the babies in the village
  • Dinner

Friday

  • Breakfast
  • Working at the Rural Health Unit
  • Lunch
  • Check-up and visit for the elderly people in the village
  • Dinner

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

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?
  • Laundry facilities at an extra cost
  • 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 & Dress Code

What to Bring:

  • Please bring your scrubs and stethoscope. In addition, you can also bring your own face mask and medical gloves.
  • Bring comfortable working clothes and shoes (preferably a medical uniform or white overcoat)
  • A hard copy of your CV to be presented at your placement

Dress Code:

  • The Philippines is a Conservative Country, so please wear modest clothing covering knees and shoulders. Loose and long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.

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

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