Volunteering in the Philippines: Conservation, community & culture

Volunteering abroad and at home transforms lives, communities and our planet

Himani Ladwa

November 6, 2024

Why volunteer abroad?

What if volunteering could change how you see the world forever?

Volunteering in the Philippines gave me a powerful new perspective on sustainability, community resilience, and the real impact of recycling and conservation efforts. Having travelled to 19 countries, I thought I understood cultural diversity but nothing prepared me for the lessons learned while volunteering on the island of Palawan.

This blog explores my experience working on environmental and community projects, from mangrove conservation to eco-brick building, and why volunteering—both abroad and at home—matters more than ever.

Discovering Palawan: Life on a remote island

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands formed by ancient volcanic activity beneath the Pacific Ocean. I volunteered on Palawan, a rural island south of Manila known for its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Despite limited healthcare access and frequent power outages, the local community showed extraordinary resilience and warmth. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with traditional dances, food, and language lessons and an unexpected passion for karaoke!

Conserving nature: The Mangrove Project

Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastlines by:

  • Reducing erosion
  • Shielding communities from storm surges
  • Supporting marine biodiversity

As part of the Mangrove Conservation Project, we collected fallen mangrove seeds to support replanting efforts. Standing knee-deep in mud, racing the tide, I quickly learned how physically demanding conservation work can be, and how skilled local volunteers truly are.

Building with innovation: Eco-bricks and recycling

One of the most inspiring projects involved eco-bricks, plastic bottles tightly packed with waste collected from the village and coastline. These were used to construct school walls and borders, reducing pollution while creating vital infrastructure.

This creative reuse of waste perfectly reflects the importance of responsible recycling, a core message also promoted by recycle-more. Learn how recycling plastic correctly helps communities

A young girl walking to school with her bag on her back

Educating the next generation on sustainability

Teaching local children was a privilege. Despite limited access to basic school supplies, they demonstrated an impressive understanding of sustainability and recycling, because they experience the consequences of waste mismanagement firsthand.

This reinforced how education plays a crucial role in building long-term environmental change, something we can all support through better recycling habits at home.

Learn how recycling education supports future generations.

Lessons learned from volunteering in the Philippines

Volunteering may not be permanent, but its impact can be lasting. I left Palawan with:

  • A deeper appreciation for community-led sustainability
  • Lifelong friendships
  • A newfound love of karaoke
  • A renewed commitment to environmental responsibility

Volunteering in the Philippines showed me that even small actions, like planting mangroves or recycling waste, can make a meaningful difference.

Volunteering closer to home: Make a difference in the UK

Not everyone can travel abroad, but local volunteering can be just as impactful. Here are trusted UK organisations making a real environmental difference:

  • Keep Britain Tidy: This organisation runs litter-picking events across the UK, helping keep our public spaces clean and beautiful
  • The Rivers Trust: Engage in local river clean-ups and conservation efforts to protect the UK’s waterways and its ecosystems
  • Surfers Against Sewage: Join their beach clean-ups and campaigns to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans
  • The Conservation Volunteers (TCV): Get involved with TCV’s wide range of projects, from tree planting to habitat conservation, right in your local area

Volunteering doesn’t require a plane ticket. By participating in these local initiatives, you’ll not only contribute to your community but also make a positive impact on the environment, just like those working on projects abroad.

Key takeaways: Why volunteering matters

  • Volunteering builds cultural understanding and community resilience
  • Environmental projects directly support sustainability and recycling
  • Education empowers future generations to protect the planet
  • You don’t need to travel far to make a positive environmental impact

Whether abroad or at home, volunteering is a powerful way to contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Himani Ladwa, and do not necessarily reflect the views of recycle-more, Valpak Limited, or any affiliated organisation.