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Be part of an NGO Organic Farm in Puerto Galera, Philippines

The experience

Our project is a land area located in a beautiful mountain setting around 450 meters above sea level in the village of Baclayan, Oriental Mindoro, in the Philippines. The farm aims to inspire community members in sustainable and effective methods of agriculture. Stairway has been working in the Baclayan community for more than a decade, and the farm plays a significant role in terms of food production in the community.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Permaculture Course: Take part in our Permaculture course for free.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Requirements

Fluent English

Between 20 and 35 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Volunteering at our organic farm will give you an opportunity to learn about sustainable organic farming in practice with the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of various food sources. Simultaneously, you will be contributing to the development of the indigenous community of the Baclayan village through nurturing of the local children. The Stairway organic farm living facilities were renovated in 2022, and it offers accommodation through lodging in two dormitories of up to two people in each. Food for making breakfast and dinner will be provided while lunch is served at the Baclayan Mangyan School during the weekdays. The fully operational kitchen is available in the living quarters for when the volunteer wishes to cook. The facilities also offer a large common area in connection with the kitchen which can be used by volunteers on demand.

Activities & Shift

As a volunteer on our organic farm, you will be helping us to cultivate and harvest food sources in collaboration with our two resident agriculturists. Depending on the season, we expect the workload to be around 5-6 hours a day, 5 times a week. The organic farm was initiated in 2009 and produces a large variety of crops, vegetables, and fruits. It is located right next to the school, and it has delivered a significant portion of the products consumed at the school feeding program. Since the implementation of the feeding program, school attendance has drastically increased 10 times from around 20 to 200 children. The program has successfully pulled most of the indigenous children in Baclayan into school. Aside from providing the food, Stairway is also distributing school supplies for all the children at the beginning of the school year.

Rules

By agreeing to volunteer at the Stairway organic farm you are required to read, agree, with Stairway’s Child Protection Policy and the Handbook for Volunteers issued by Stairway Foundation Inc.