Foreigners Edition: How To Be A Volunteer in the Philippines for FREE or for a Very Affordable Price

Volunteer in the Philippines

I've been researching on how I could volunteer in Nepal and Vietnam and it pains me to see that some if not most of the NGO's charge a certain amount of money.  Some are quite expensive, and some are reasonably cheap.  I'm wondering if some foreigners are also interested in doing the same here in my country.  Judging from what I have seen in NGO websites, I'm sure there are interested as well.  From what I know, anyone can freely volunteer here.  You just have to inform the NGO ahead of time.  Some of them would ask you to undergo an orientation so if you're staying a bit longer, do take the time to join the orientation.  If there are any dues involve it would just be really small, say P50 to P250.  The rest of donations would really be up to you.  Bring stuff in kind or bring money, what matters most is your presence and how you could share your time in making a difference in other people's lives.

Here are some NGO's that you could volunteer for free or for a very minimal charge.

1.  iVolunteer - This is a volunteer hub where you could choose from various NGOs.  They have lists of scheduled events, so you could check which one speaks to you the most.

2. Nursing Homes - If caring for the elderly is what you seek, then you could access a list of nursing homes and contact them so you could set an appointment or orientation of some sort.

3.  Orphanage -  This one is a hit for some volunteers.  Activities included are feeding, teaching, and playing games with orphaned or abandoned children.  Most of these orphanages are connected to Department of Social Welfare and Development.  Orientations are given by a trained staff.  Try contacting them for any inquiries.

4. NGO's for environment - Volunteer activities aren't held often as the previous items on the list.  They usually ask volunteers as needed and you have to undergo training which don't happen as often too.  So if you think of staying in the Philippines longer, then go ahead and sign up.  Make sure that you'll know the dates for registration and for training.

5. For Animals - I only knows PAWS which task in helping abandoned dogs and cats, and giving them a shelter and food and practically a safe place for them to stay.  The animals here are all on standby for adoption.  Again they have a scheduled orientation so make sure you check it.  Just a heads up, they'll be having an orientation on the 16th of August 2016 so make sure you get in touch with them and block your calendar on that date.

So see, you don't have to pay a lot if you wish to volunteer here in the Philippines.  Pick an organization and do some goodwill.