Tin MendezAs travellers, we often seek deeper meaning in our journeys. We explore distant lands, hoping to enrich our lives with new experiences and perspectives. As humans, we also possess an innate empathy, a desire to alleviate the suffering of others and offer a helping hand.
While these timeless aspirations endure, our world has become both smaller and larger. This paradox makes it increasingly challenging to extend charity to those in need, especially in times of crisis. Yet, I believe that the desire to help remains strong within us all, often hindered only by uncertainty about how to contribute.
If you’re fortunate enough to be exploring the beautiful Philippines and wish to add a meaningful dimension to your adventure, consider volunteering. The following organisations offer opportunities to make a positive impact.
Also read: 6 Fun Ways to Volunteer While You Travel
Organisations for volunteering in the Philippines
1. Ivolunteer
Image credit: iVolunteer Philippines
Ivolunteer is a portal made by volunteers for volunteers. Propelled by the mission of promoting volunteerism by making it known, making it easy and making it happen, it serves as a bridge between the volunteers and the organisations seeking volunteers.
Are you someone looking to put your time and effort into a good cause in either long-term or short-term projects? Visit Ivolunteer’s website to give you more information on how you can sign up as a volunteer and choose from the many projects they offer.
Examples of their projects: feed the hungry, be a friend to an elderly, relief goods operation in times of calamities and tutoring programs for the children
2. Haribon
Image credit: shankar s. | Flickr
Haribon is a combination of two Filipino words that best describe the mighty Philippine Eagle, “Haring Ibon”, which translates to “King of Birds”. It is also the name of the foundation which pioneered environmental organisation.
Haribon Foundation believes in the role of people in taking care of the environment. Thus, it strives to continually promote community empowerment coupled with scientific excellence for nature conservation.
An avid nature lover? Visit Haribon’s website to know more about how you can become one of their volunteers.
Examples of their activities: tree planting, therapeutic seedling nurturing and coastal clean-ups
Also read: Travel to Help Humanity: 8 Volunteer Ideas in the Philippines
3. Red Cross
Image credit: Philippine Red Cross
A name synonymous to blood donation and immediate relief and assistance during disasters , Red Cross has since become a more well-rounded helping hand focusing on a holistic approach in uplifting the conditions of the people who most need its assistance. Now, it also offers many services ranging from preventive medicine, counselling and youth leadership.
To be able to volunteer, you must apply to become a member and go through their orientation as Red Cross deals with emergency cases and needs their volunteers to be fully prepared. Interested in volunteering in the Philippines? Visit their website to get more information on how to apply.
Examples of their activities: youth training, emergency response aid, and fun run for a cause
4. uhappyevents
Image credit: U! Happy Events
Uhappyevents bridges together sponsors and volunteers to their beneficiaries. They focus on helping marginalised children by providing sustainable assistance and teaching them core values through their creative and meaningful activities.
They strongly believe in empowering individuals to get involved. And through their many activities, they made it easy for individuals wanting to help to simply choose which activities fit them best. If you are one person looking to help or a group of friends wanting to create an event that benefits children, visit uhappyevents’ website and know more about how to accomplish these interests.
Examples of their activities: arts and crafts workshops, acting workshops and martial arts and dance workshops
5. Gawad Kalinga
Image credit: Gawad Kalinga
Their mission is simple, “Ending poverty for 5 million families by 2024”. A straightforward line that speaks a thousand depths. Behind it is the complexity of how to tackle such a big commitment. But Gawad Kalinga also has a straightforward and simple answer: a desire to give care and leave no one behind. Along with it is their journey, their experiences and learnings that they have gained, starting from a simple desire to implementing projects that are slowly making their mission a reality.
Visit Gawad Kalinga’s website and learn more insightful definitions of the values they stand for. It also provides information on how you, and everyone who shares the same interest, can join in their cause. And, finally find yourself volunteering in the Philippines.
Examples of their activities: feeding programs and kitchen volunteers, house building activities, youth and child development activities such as tutoring
6. Roots of Health
Image credit: Roots of Health
Roots of Health is a dedicated nonprofit organisation committed to empowering women and girls in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. By focusing on reproductive, maternal, and sexual health, the organisation strives to improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities. What’s more, their work involves providing essential healthcare services, promoting health education, and advocating for policies that support women’s rights and reproductive health in the country.
Examples of their activities: mobile health clinics, health education and counseling, community outreach
Also read: Why Volunteer Abroad?
I hope that as this country shows you the many wonders it can offer, you (as a foreigner or a Filipino) can also give back through being a volunteer in one of these noble foundations. As you enrich the lives of others, may the experience also enrich yours even after your adventure ends. Volunteering can be a great alternative to an internship while still gaining valuable experience. So, why not start volunteering in the Philippines?
