Philippines: Construction & Cultural Exchange

Introduction

The Philippines is an incredible destination to discover and experience with bountiful flora and fauna across more than 7,000 islands of which only 2000 are inhabited. The Philippines attract tourists from all corners of the world with it’s breath-taking mountains, rainforests, diving spots and cultural sights. It is a country which bears the influence of the East and the West interwoven in all cultural aspects but mostly visible in the architecture and religion. Though it is a secular state, due to its Spanish influence the Philippines is one of the two Roman Catholic countries in Asia with a Christian population of about 90%. The country is the twelfth most populous country in the world and is divided in three main parts – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

This project takes place in two locations – on the beautiful island province of Palawan on the southern island of Mindanao. In these beautiful locations many people are living in poverty due to high unemployment and poor quality of education. This project aims to assist people who struggle to support themselves and don’t have enough funds to repair or renovate their houses. The larger community has high a demand for construction and renovation work on houses, community centers, schools and other communal places and you can provide assistance in building and renovating houses, healthcare centers, schools and other facilities. This project focuses on renovation of houses but there may be need for renovation of institutions and communal places as well, depending on the most urgent need at the time.

You will get a chance to meet and make friends with the kind and open people of Palawan or Davao who will welcome you into their lives and homes. You will discover the culture and lifestyle of the local people and join efforts with other participants from all over the world.

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 Euros 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.