Trip Details

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in the Philippines

The TRU team are super proud of the work they accomplish with their volunteers, and our Construction & Renovation Volunteer programme in the Philippines is definitely up there! You’ll be busy, here, as you help to build and renovate homes, healthcare centres, schools and other facilities. The local people on the island of Palawan have little opportunity to maintain communal buildings through a lack of funds. As a result, these facilities have fallen into a state of disrepair. So, your mission, whilst on our project, is to help breathe life back into these buildings with your creative talents and craftsmanship!

Help to Rebuild a Community and Learn New Skills on the Go!

On this project, you will work alongside local Palawan people, gaining a unique insight into the lifestyle and culture of the population of this beautiful island. Moreover, you will join other volunteers from all over the world, so you’ll make plenty of new friends too! Generally, you’ll be involved in painting, building walls, renovating furniture, gardening and so on. However, construction experience is not required, so anybody can join in this rewarding community project! Just bring with you, a ‘can-do’ attitude and a sunny disposition, and you’ll fit right in!

Get Busy Building …and Exploring the Beauty of the Philippines

Everybody knows the Philippines are stunning, but until you’re really here, you just won’t get how stunning! Made up of over 7000 islands, your biggest problem will be deciding which to take in during your weekends! There are breathtaking temples, ancient ruins and peaceful monasteries for those who want to get their happy on. However, sporty types can also enjoy a wealth of water activities, like snorkelling, kayaking and scuba-diving. Nightlife is naturally, also, a great draw for holiday goers, with pub streets and beach parties galore. However, closer to home, you’ll stay in a small laid-back fishing village, where you can simply chill through the week.

Why be a Construction & Renovation Volunteer in the Philippines?

  • Help Palawan locals rebuild and renovate their community buildings
  • Learn some valuable new building skills to take home and use for yourself
  • Explore the islands, and taste a little bit of paradise in your free time
  • Work in a great team and make new friends of locals and fellow volunteers
  • Treat your palate with some great Filipino cuisine (meals/beverages* included)

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

You will start with the breakfast of champions (because that’s what you are:), then travel to the site of your allocated construction work. Thereafter, your day will involve whatever tasks have been planned, with a break for lunch around midday. Returning to the accommodation site at the end of the day, you can enjoy a dinner and have time to relax and explore the area.

Mandatory Orientation Day

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

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Philippino Do’s and Don’ts, Philippino Culture Lessons and Philippino Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Workshop: Weaving Coconut leaves or broom making
  • Philippine Cooking Classes

Tuesday to Friday

  • Breakfast
  • Construction & Renovation Volunteer project  2-3 hours
  • Lunch
  • Construction & Renovation Volunteer project 2 hours
  • Dinner
  • Free Time

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of hard-grafting, you can choose to explore the area or head further afield on the weekends. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

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

Places to Visit

Coron Bay

Fancy a dive? Found at the northwest of Palawan (between Busuanga and Culion islands), Coron Bay 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. Don’t miss this beautiful park – public transport is available to take you there, and the journey itself is worth the visit!

Trip Accommodation

Palawan is a special island dotted with fishing villages and surrounded by crystal blue waters and emerald green jungled mountains. You will be staying in Tigman Village in the Aborlan District, which is a small and laid back area just outside of Puerto Princesa City.

About the Accommodation

Our accommodation is in keeping with the area, built with many natural elements and with a tropical beach at your feet! Here, you’ll have a single-gender dorm-style room with bunk beds, although private rooms are available, subject to availability.

You’ll be doing your own washing, so get practising now if this is something that is normally done for you:) However, there is a laundry service here, too, which you can use for a small fee, if prefered.  You will be living like a local with basic facilities including “bucket showers.” – not really a hardship in this good weather! Due to our tropical setting, WiFi service may not be what you are used to at home, but it is available. However, we recommend purchasing your own local SIM card if you want to stay connected throughout the day.

Importantly, please be advised that due to jellyfish in the water, it is unlikely that you will be able to swim at the beach close by the accommodation. There is an area near the river or on the other side of the village, which is about a 15 minute walk away, where you will be able to enjoy a cool dip more safely.

Food Arrangements

Filipino cuisine is utterly delish, and you’ll have the chance to try cooking some authentic food of your own whilst you’re here. The food will consist mainly of local cuisine (lots of vegetables, meat, egg and rice) and you will have three meals per day served to you through the week, with two meals at the weekends (brunch and dinner).

Facilities

There are many forms of local transportation such as jeepneys, buses and vans which depart every hour to the town of Aborlan or to the next town Narra.

Further, you’ll find ATM’s & Western Union transfers available in the town of Nara, which is about 30 minutes away by car. Here, you can also find all necessary amenities.

Activities & Events

Tuesday Night

Join us for a fun night under the stars, with a Bonfire and plenty of great banter!

Thursday Night

You don’t have to have a great singing voice to take part in a musical trip down memory lane. In fact, it’s the ones who can’t sing who make our evenings the most fun:)

 

Trip Country Info

Philippines

Capital: Manila
Language: Filipino
Currency: Peso (PHP)
Time zone: PST (UTC +8)

The Philippines is made up of a total of 7,107 islands, only 2000 of which are inhabited. The islands are broadly categorised under 3 main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It is the 7th most populated country in Asia and the 12th most in the world.

As a newly industrialised country, the Philippine economy which was once founded upon its agriculture is now moving towards an economy based on services and manufacturing.

It is unsurprising that the Philippines attracts tourists due to its incredibly rich biodiversity found across its islands. The mountains, rainforests and diving spots as well as its impressive cultural heritage all add to the reasons why the Philippines is such an incredible place to experience.

Climate
The Philippines experiences a tropical maritime climate meaning that it is normally hot and humid and there are 3 distinct seasons:

Hot, dry season from March to May
Rainy season from June to November
Cool, dry season from December to February
The southwest monsoon lasts from May to October and the dry monsoon in the northeast from November to April.

Temperatures in the Philippines normally range from 21°C to 32°C with the coolest month being January and the hottest, May. The yearly average is 26.6°C..

The Philippines sits on the typhoon belt and so most islands experience torrential rains and storms from July to October.

Culture
The Philippines is a secular state and stemming from its Spanish cultural influence and it is one of only two Roman Catholic countries in Asia. Its Christian population is at about 90%. The country displays a mixture of Eastern and Western culture. Whilst it undeniably preserves cultural aspects found elsewhere in Asia, its Hispanic influence is perhaps most noticeable especially in the architecture and names of streets, towns and provinces.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

Under 18, Parental Consent is Required
Travel Insurance

Additional Requirements

Sturdy Boots/Shoes

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa