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Philippines, Palawan5/5 (2 reviews)

Construction and renovation project in Palawan

In Palawan, the Philippines, help build and renovate schools, toilets and classrooms alongside local people and volunteers from all over the world.

Where
Palawan, Philippines
Length
From 2 to 12 weeks
Minimum age
18 years old
Language
English basic
Departures
Every Saturday and Sunday

from €1,090 for 2 weeks

Check availabilityTalk to the team

No commitment. Anaëlle, Amélie or Maëlia will reply.

The project

“Family” projects are suitable for children aged 4 and up. Our advisors will provide personalized recommendations based on your children’s age, the destination, and the type of mission.

This humanitarian project in Asia takes place in the province of Palawan, located in the MIMAROPA region, the country’s largest province. Palawan is renowned as one of the country’s top tourist destinations, often ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, spectacular marine life, historic sites and rich cultural diversity offer unforgettable landscapes and experiences.

However, despite its beauty, there are areas of Palawan that require particular attention, particularly in terms of communal infrastructure such as schools, health centres and housing. Construction plays a crucial role in creating safe spaces that connect communities, create jobs and improve living standards.

In this project, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the local people of Palawan, offering an authentic insight into their way of life and culture. You will work alongside participants from all over the world to help build in the village of Tigman, in Aborlan, in the heart of Palawan province.

The types of tasks

Your work will depend on local requirements, but your main tasks will be:

  • Helping to build and renovate local infrastructure such as schools, churches, local houses, etc.
  • Digging and assembling building materials.
  • Laying brick and cement.
  • Helping and assisting with the construction and renovation of school playgrounds.
  • Building school paths and a fence
  • Building and renovating toilets
  • Repairing and renovating school walls
  • Helping and assisting with the construction of new classrooms or any other school facilities
  • Helping with painting school buildings
  • Gardening and landscaping
  • Repairing and making tables and chairs

A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.

Accommodation and meals

You’ll be staying in the volunteers’ house, which is built from a wealth of natural materials to give it a tropical beach feel! You’ll sleep in bunk beds.

Meals

Three good meals are provided each day at 8am for breakfast, 12pm for lunch and 6pm for dinner, and at weekends only brunch and dinner.

The food will consist mainly of typical local and Western dishes. There will also be pasta, seafood, mostly chicken and pork, vegetables and fruit. For breakfast, we serve eggs, sausages, oatmeal, bread, pancakes, coffee and tea. Meals are also served according to your dietary requirements.

Arrival and transfers

There are many means of local transport available, including jeepneys, buses and vans, which leave hourly for either Aborlan town or Narra. The journey to Aborlan town centre takes around twenty minutes, and thirty minutes to Narra.

In the town of Narra, you’ll find ATMs and Western Union transfer services. You will have access to all the necessary amenities, such as banks, pharmacies, grocery shops, local restaurants, bars, public markets, parks etc.

Location

The accommodation is located in the village of Tigman, in the district of Aborlan, a peaceful area. About 72 kilometres from Puerto Princesa, a two-hour drive, and twenty minutes from Aborlan town centre, our centre enjoys an ideal location close to the beach.

Budget

How long are you going for?

2 weeks

This programme is available all year round. Arrivals on Sundays and departures on Saturdays.

Total programme budget€1,090

That is, per week€545

Each extra week

Check availability for 2 weeks

What is included

  • Reception at Puerto Princesa Airport
  • Accommodation (in shared rooms of 4 - 8 people)
  • 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the week and 2 meals (brunch and dinner) on the weekend
  • Project support and training
  • 24/7 emergency assistance

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Vaccines

Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down

How to fund my project

See the budget week by week
LengthTotal programme budget

Getting ready to leave

Your application

An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.

Conditions to take part

To take part in the construction programme in the Philippines:

  • At least 18 years old.
  • School-level English (able to understand instructions, able to communicate).
  • Copy of passport.
  • Criminal record check.

Insurance

For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.

Online language lessons

With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.

Questions

What kind of accommodation is provided for a family?

You stay together, in private rooms, shared houses or comfortable local guesthouses.

Is it a safe trip for children?

Our projects are selected with safety in mind. Families get a reassuring setting and supervised activities. The days are designed to include young and old alike, with a flexible pace and time to discover things together.

Can you join a project as a family?

Yes. For families who want to travel together, we offer programmes designed to welcome children from the age of 4, 10 or 15 depending on the project. Our programme pages say whether they are open to families; otherwise, contact our team to find out more.

Another question? Ask the team, and someone who knows the project will answer.

Construction and renovation project in Palawan10 photos

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia