Volunteering Solutions offers volunteer abroad programs in and around Tacloban city; on the island of Leyte. Being a volunteer in the Philippines, you can choose to be a part of a wide range of programs, including Public Health Nutrition, Teaching Program, Childcare, and Medical Volunteer Project at rural clinics. Volunteering in the Philippines would be a great opportunity for gap year travelers as well as high school/ college students to acquire useful international work experience. This will not only help them in propelling their career prospects but also provide some life-changing exposure. It is a great destination for travelers looking to explore a new Southeast Asian location while contributing effectively to society.
Ready to explore a country comprising more than 7,000 islands while doing something meaningful?
- Start Dates : All Year Round
- Duration : 2-24 Weeks
- Program Location : Tacloban
- Minimum Age : 17 years+
- Certificate - Offered after Program completion
Philippines - Quick Facts

Program: Public Health Nutrition
Volunteer work is an indescribable fulfillment. I was in the middle of going to school for nursing when I felt as though I needed to figure out myself before I continued. And what better way to learn about myself by helping others and falling in love with the world. It's funny because you go into volunteering expecting to give but in the end you get more out of it than you could ever imagine.I've learned an enormous amount here in the Philippines. Life here is simple and extremely beautiful. The children at San Joaquin taught me to love life and never take anything for granted
Projects available in Philippines
As a volunteer in the teaching program in Philippines you can also get involved with education to help enhance and develop students’ skills,...
Join Childcare Volunteer Program in Philippines, work directly with children in need, assist local staff, periodically take part in fundraising...
Participate in rural medical volunteer in Tacloban, Philippines and do your bit for the healthcare of the locals from undeserved communities, work...
Volunteering Solutions’ Nutrition Public Health project aims to rectify and improve the malnourished condition of infants, especially born in the...
There are a lot of things to do in the Philippines, considering the fact that there are 7000 islands! Explore Tacloban City and other places in Leyte. During the weekends, volunteers usually visit the local areas of interest such as San Juanico Bridge, the Santo Nino Shrine, and the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park. You can also travel to Manila, the capital city. Some volunteers also opt to explore Cebu Island and experience its amazing nightlife. Discuss with the country coordinator before you plan anything.
Take a day trip and go kayaking at Lake Danao - The guitar-shaped Lake Danao in the island of Leyte would be perfect for a day trip during the weekends. You can go for a refreshing swim in the tranquil water or rent a kayak and explore the rest of the area.
Visit the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum - Tacloban City is filled with historic sites, and you'll be amazed while exploring the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum, built by former President Ferdinand Marcos. Take a trip to this beloved heritage site and see its wide collection of antiques and artworks not only from the Philippines, but also from Germany, Italy, and France. At the shrine, you will see the image of the Santo Nino, which is the Catholic’s title for the baby Jesus.
Go for a trek to Masaba Falls - In case you are looking for some adrenaline rush and trekking is there on your bucket list, then you'll definitely enjoy going hiking up the Masaba Falls. The only way to reach the site is by river trekking, and it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes before you reach the site. Along the way, you will pass through the forest, giving you a chance to get closer to nature. When you arrive at the seven-tiered waterfalls, you can go for a swim or just sit on one of the rocks and admire the scenery.
Head off to Cebu - How about planning a 2 days trip to another island? With its sugar-white beaches, azure waters and pristine coral gardens, the island of Cebu in the Philippines is the perfect tropical escape. You can simply chill on the beaches, and take a dip in the turquoise waters. It'll be the best way to unwind!
Go snorkeling at Kalanggaman - If you are a water baby, craving to take a dive and get closer to the underwater world, then you can head off the Kalanggaman beach, which is one of the best places for snorkeling in Leyte.
Volunteer in Philippines - Faq's
Application and Program Details - Philippines
FAQ's Application and Program Details
Tacloban is the capital of Leyte Province and has a population of about 240,000. It is not a popular tourist destination and does not attract many foreign visitors. For this reason, Tacloban offers our international volunteers an opportunity to be immersed in a unique Asian culture.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
Participants must be in good health.
Participants need to provide a copy of their Resume/CV as well as Criminal Background Check Report for those participants working in projects with children.
Flights and Visa
Health and Safety
1. Hepatitis A and B
2. Typhoid
3. Malaria tablets
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travelers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Accommodation and Living
Before starting your project, you will be given an extensive orientation that will include how to get to, and back from, your project; how to get to, and back from the downtown - the location of ATMs, restaurants, souvenir stores, and where money changers are, as well as a brief introduction to Filipino culture and etiquette.
The 'Jeepney', a colorful bus made from former U.S. Service vehicles is the most common form of transportation in the Philippines and covers short to medium sized journeys. This is the most common mode of transport for the volunteers in Tacloban.
For longer journeys, there are conventional buses, whilst motorcycles, tricycles, and private hire taxis, called 'Spider Cabs', can also be used for midrange journeys. If you're looking to just go down the road, you can ride a pedicab, a converted bicycle with attached sidecart.
These are screened, well respective members of the local community who have been accommodating volunteers for many years. You will be given either a private or shared bedroom in which you will have a secure luggage storage (bring your own padlock), mosquito neck and electric fan. You will also have access to safe drinking water.
We ask volunteers to be considerate regarding their electricity consumption.
Volunteers will be provided with two meals a day (breakfast and dinner), these meals will vary but will usually be traditional Filipino meals, be prepared to eat a lot of rice!
Volunteers also enjoy relaxing at the many beach resorts, most predominantly the Tadjaw beach resort near the municipality of Tolosa. For those of you that are looking further afield for more exciting opportunities, you can plan a weekend getaway to Cebu, or to visit the Chocolate Hills on Bohol or the Sohoton Caves on Samar.
We can arrange for airport drop at an extra cost.
Connect with Past Volunteers
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
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