Volunteers

Volunteer – why should I get involved?

Most people want to travel and see the world – Little Children of the World can make it possible to combine service with adventure by volunteering at our Philippine project in Dumaguete, Philippines.

The LCW/LCP programs allow you to invest a portion of your life in helping rescue children from the dire effects of poverty, neglect, or abuse.

LCP Current Situation

The following is a description of the Current Situation of LCP:

Twenty five years after its founding, as of February 2012, Little Children of the Philippines, Inc. (LCP) now serves a constituency of more than 5,000 low-income Filipino children, youth and parents, in 14 depressed communities/barangays of the province of Negros Oriental. During the past eleven years the number of barangays served has increased from eight to fourteen, and the number of sponsored preschools from three to eight. The enrollment in Sunday School has increased from approximately 300 to nearly 2000. More than 625 children, ranging from age five to twenty, who are victims of poverty and vulnerable to abuse are sponsored by friends of Little Children of the World.

LCP has grown also in the number of international volunteers who add considerably to the work force. They come from various nations including the USA, Philippines, Canada, England, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. They use their training and experience to enhance the existing programs and sometimes even initiate new ones like the Lice Treatment Project and the Soup Kitchens. A number of Filipino professionals, especially physicians, provide service to LCP member families and LCP volunteers for no cost or at greatly reduced prices. The local Red Cross has been helpful in training LCP’s community paramedics. Peace Corps workers have also contributed time and resourses through the years.

Thinking About Volunteering?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the peso exchange rate? 

February 2012 - Approximately 40 pesos to one US dollar (fluctuates from 40 to 47)

  • What is the entrance fee to Philippines?  

200 Pesos, paid at airport (can be paid in dollars—approx. $5.00)

  • What is the exit fee from Dumaguete City Philippines? 

30 pesos, paid at airport (Please save 30 pesos during your trip so this fee can be paid at the airport.)

  • What is the exit fee from Manila Philippines? 

750 pesos, paid at airport (can be paid in dollars –approx. $17.50)

  • Do you know of a company that is less expensive to use in calling the Philippines?  Yes.

Forex Phone Service – 1-800-440-1785  If you decide to use this company, you need to establish an account with them and they will send you a phone card to use when someone calls into the Philippines.  The rate is 13.9 cents per minute.  They will bill you once a month. It cannot be used to call from the Philippines – only to the Philippines.  Instructions will be on the card.

  • What is the LCP phone number? 

  (011) 63-35-225-0766

  • What is the phone number at Bethel Hotel in Dumaguete City?

 (011) 63-35-422-8000

  • How can I communicate with the US from the Philippines? 

It is very difficult to call from the Philippines.  A prepaid phone card there will take many minutes to one minute of time used just to make the connection.  It is much easier to use Internet service.  Internet service is available at Bethel Hotel for a small fee and also available at LCP. You can send e-mails from your personal email address. You may also use the following email address if you do not have one: Carmenia_benosa@yahoo.com. This is the email address of the LCP Administrator. However, response to these e-mails may take time as they are only at their computers at various times during the day. Any emergency communications should be made by phone to LCP or Bethel Hotel phone numbers.

  • What is the time difference in Dumaguete City Philippines?   

They are 12 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time.

  • What medications should I bring to the Philippines?

Nausea, diarrhea, antibiotics, cold & allergy, Tylenol,  and prescription medications in original bottles

  • What immunizations are required for Philippines?  

Tetanus is the only shot we definitely recommend.  Just as in all countries there are diseases to which one could be exposed. It is strongly recommended that you contact your primary care doctor or a Travel Clinic to obtain the recommended immunizations.

  • What will be our main transportation in Dumaguete?     

LCP has two Easy Riders and drivers.  Additional transportation will be Pedicabs (a motorcycle with a sidecar – which is the primary means of transportation in Dumaguete) driven by a father of one of our sponsored children.  This will help us and also contribute to the livelihood of his family.  We will rent it for the day when needed so it is always available to meet schedules.

  • What luggage should I bring? 

Less is better on this trip.  Bring light weight Luggage with wheels.  You don’t need to bring a lot of clothes.  Staff at the Bethel Hotel will do laundry at a very nominal charge.  This is a way for us to support these employees and their families. You may bring:

a. Checked – One (1) piece of luggage weighing no more than 50 lbs.  We will provide luggage tags that will clearly identify your bags.

b. Carry on – One (1) piece of luggage weighing no more than 15 lbs. (with wheels or backpack).  For this bag, you must have all liquids, lipstick, medicine, creams etc. in small travel size that is put into a clear quart size Ziploc bag that will be placed in the bin in open sight along with your shoes, jacket, purse and carry on bag.

c. One (1) purse or computer case

d. You need to have your boarding pass and passport in your hand while going through the metal detector.

  • What is the best way to change dollars into pesos? 

The easiest way to change money is to give the money you wish to change to the LCP Finance officer and she will exchange it at the bank at the best possible rate.  You will receive fewer pesos for your dollar at any other location.  Larger US bills receive a better exchange rate.  No bills under twenty dollars will be exchanged. Pesos come in the following denominations: coins (one peso, five pesos and ten pesos), bills (twenty, fifty, hundred, two hundred, five hundred and one thousand). Examples of currency can be found in the back.

  • What are appropriate tips in Manila or Dumaguete City?

- Porters at airport or hotel: 30-40 pesos per heavy suitcase

- Driver of van from airport to hotel or back: 30- 40 pesos per heavy suitcase

- Housekeeping (bringing water) 20 pesos

  • Are there restaurants in Dumaguete with more American-type food? 

Yes. McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, Mamias, Shakey’s Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and the Bethel Guest House Hotel (Breakfast)

  • Can we buy snacks at LCP? 

Yes, there is a canteen and Mila, LCP canteen coordinator, will be glad to sell you drinks, cookies, and snacks.  All purchases at the canteen benefit the LCP programs.

  • Where will we eat lunch during the week? 

LCP will prepare an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for 100 pesos per person ($2.50). 

  • Will we be able to shop for souvenirs while in Dumaguete?  

Yes, they have local shops that sell native items.  If you have a sponsored child it is also fun to take them shopping at the big department store.  A staff member will accompany you and your sponsored child.

  • Is there a way to store valuables at the hotel? 

Yes, lock boxes are available at the Bethel Hotel for a small fee.  It is important for you to lock your passport, tickets, extra money etc. in the lock box at the Bethel Hotel.  It can only be opened by using a key given to you and a key from the Bethel Hotel at the same time.

  • Can you have laundry service at Bethel Hotel?  

Yes.

  • What is the cost of a room with 2 twin beds at Bethel Hotel?   

1200 pesos ($30.00 per night).

  • What is the cost of a room with 2 beds at Kabayan Hotel in Manila Philippines which is a hotel we could be staying overnight coming and going from Dumaguete? 

 2560 pesos ($64.00).  This includes transportation back to airport and breakfast.  (We may also stay at the Manila Airport Hotel which is a little more expensive, but closer to the airport)

  • Can I drink the tap water in Manila or Dumaguete? 

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!  Both Bethel Hotel and Kabayan Hotel have filtered water so it is acceptable to drink water in both these locations but do not drink local water anywhere including LCP.  You can buy bottled water at the Bethel Hotel or LCP Canteen and carry it with you to the communities, in case you need a drink.

  • Can I get film developed or digital prints made? 

35 mm film can be developed in Dumaguete.  Digital prints can be processed there also.  However, the quality of prints in the United States is much better than in the Philippines.

  • Can I swim in the ocean or lakes? 

This is not recommended due to pollution.

  • What types of things can I do in the Philippines?

Community Bible Study (LCW has 14 different communities)

Crafts with the LCP Preschools (LCP has 7 preschools)

Crafts, Tutoring, or Games with the LCP Residential Dorm Children

(LCP has 3 dorms – 2 Boys and 1 Girls)

Work with the Handicapped Children

Serve at the Soup Kitchens (LCP has two soup kitchens)

Visit the Filipino School Systems

Work with the LCP College Scholars

Repair Homes

Visit Apo Island

Visit Bais

If you have a sponsored child you can also:

Take them shopping at the local mall

Take them out to eat for lunch or dinner

Visit their home

Visit their school

Prepare gifts before your trip to take to them (if you prefer to do that instead)

If you are there during their Birthday it’s extremely fun to watch how excited they get over a cake. In the Philippines it’s not common to have a birthday cake on your birthday, so this is a very special treat. Ten   dollars will be plenty for a wonderful cake that your sponsored child would most certainly enjoy.

These are only suggestions of things you can do while in the Philippines. If you have any other ideas please feel free to share them with LCW/LCP. Once you have decided what activities you would like to partake in while in the Philippines please notify the LCW Office. LCW and LCP will then begin making a schedule for you including all of your activities. Once it is complete you will have the opportunity to review it and make any changes you see necessary. For your safety and to prevent any language barrier, you will always have a staff member with you at all times during your activities. Please contact LCW at (770) 358-2771 if you have any other questions or      concerns.

  • What can I expect when I arrive in Manila Philippines?

Before you arrive in Manila, you will receive a form to complete.  All questions must be answered.  When asked the purpose of trip, check “other” and write “Mission Trip”.  The address in the Philippines is Little Children of the Philippines, Claytown Daro, Dumaguete City, Philippines.

Once you exit the plane, you will need to pick up a luggage cart on your way to the carousel to collect your luggage. It is important to have bright ribbons on your luggage for easy recognition.  You will need to present the form you filled out several times along the way.

After collecting your luggage, you will need to pass through Customs with your passport and Customs form, one at a time.  Once you have cleared customs, immediately put your passport in a safe location.

As you exit the airport, you will need to show your luggage claim tags to the officials at the door.

Once outside the door of the airport, the Hotel agent will be there with a sign to identify him, and will lead you to the awaiting Hotel transportation.

Important to remember:  Keep boarding pass stub from your Airlines which is flying you into Manila.  You will need to present it to the Air Philippines Airlines in order to save paying overage on the weight of luggage on the Air Philippine Flight.

  • What can I expect when I depart Dumaguete Philippines?

When leaving Dumaguete porters will be there to help with your luggage.

You will need your passport and Air Philippine ticket in your hand to go into the gate of the airport.  A guard will be there to check it.  Once inside the airport, the guard will also hand check your checked luggage.

Once you have checked your luggage and received your boarding pass, you can come back outside to see everyone from LCP if you wish until close to your time of departure.

When you enter the gate area of the airport, you will again be in security check and they will hand check your bags.

Reminder:  You will need 30 pesos for exit fee to be paid at the Dumaguete airport.

  • What can I expect when I arrive in Manila airport on return trip?

When you arrive at the Manila airport you will need to get a luggage cart and proceed to the carousel to pick up your luggage.

Once you have retrieved your luggage, you will proceed to the door with your luggage claim tags to show to the official there.

Once outside the door of the airport, the Hotel agent will be there with a sign to identify himself, and will lead you to the awaiting Hotel transportation.

Notify the Hotel of your departure time and carrier so they can arrange your transportation back to the airport.

On the day of your departure, you will need to be at the airport three hours ahead of time.  When you arrive at the airport, you will place your luggage on a cart.  As you push your cart, have your ticket and passport in your hand so that as you arrive at the door of the airport, you can show both items to the official there.

You will then pass through security before you go to the counter to obtain your boarding pass.  After receiving your boarding pass, you will need to pay the 750 pesos (can be in dollars ~$17.50) to the cashier at the exit fee counter.  You will then proceed to the security line for entrance into the airport gate waiting area.  At this airport you will go through several security check areas.  They will hand search your carry-on bag and purse or backpack. 

 Please contact the LCW office at (770) 358 – 2771 for any more questions you may have and to request a Volunteer Information Manual.