Philippines: Community Construction Program

Introduction

Tigman Village in Aborlan, Palawan, is a quiet, rural community surrounded by lush forests and natural beauty. While the village is rich in culture and community spirit, it faces challenges due to limited infrastructure and basic facilities.

This program focuses on improving everyday life for local residents by building and renovating essential community structures—such as schools, healthcare centers, homes, and public spaces. As a participant, you’ll lend a hand in creating safer, more functional environments that support learning, wellness, and connection.

You’ll work closely with local residents and other international volunteers, gaining hands-on experience while also forming meaningful connections with the people whose lives you’re helping to improve. It’s a chance to contribute directly to a community in need, while immersing yourself in local traditions and daily life.

Daily Life

Your daily schedule includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and working together with the local village community on construction and renovation projects in the mornings and afternoons. You will assist in construction and renovation efforts related to painting, building walls, renovating furniture, gardening and more.

Travel and Accommodation

At either location you will be sharing a basic but comfortable room with 4-8 other volunteers. The rooms are single-gender and lockable and are equipped with fans, linens and mosquito nets; however, you need to bring your own towel. The toilets are Western-style and the showers run only with cold water which is very refreshing in the heat! Laundry facilities are limited, so you should expect to wash your clothes by hand. At all times, you’ll be expected to clean up after yourself and play your role in keeping the accommodation neat and organised as well as use all resources sparingly (including water and paper). Wifi is available in public areas.

There are three meals served at the accommodation mainly of Philippine cuisine which consists of vegetables, meat, eggs and rice.

In Palawan, you can find ATMs and Western Union transfers in the town of Nara which is about 30 minutes by car. Other forms of transportation are also available – jeepneys, buses, vans – which depart every hour to the neighboring towns of Narra or Aborlan. In Davao, you can find shops and ATMs within 20 minutes walking distance from the accommodation or 5 minutes by bike.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Passion and enthusiasm to get to know the country, lots of energy and creativity, and not scared to get your hands dirty!
• No previous skills are necessary, however, you will need to speak English at a conversational level.
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Premium Support.

Costs

£400 GBP per week

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.