About Us
Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) is a non-profit organization based in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Our underwater world is under tremendous pressure, too much garbage and litter, especially plastic, is being discarded into the oceans, and fish stocks are being depleted through overfishing. Although coral reefs cover only 0.1% of the world's oceans, these fragile ecosystems are home to an astounding 25% of all marine species.
The Philippines lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle and, with more than 7,000 islands, has a unique geography featuring a collective shoreline longer than that of any other nation in the world. As a result, the Philippines is home to more coastal reefs than anywhere else on Earth, placing it on the front lines of the effort to protect fragile marine habitats.
We dare to dream of a future where our children and future generations can still marvel at grazing sea turtles and sharks, and where coastal communities continue to enjoy sustainable fish stocks. We invite you to share that dream with us.
MCP is a Filipino NGO dedicated to preserving fragile marine habitats, including coral reefs and mangrove forests, while improving the quality of life for marginalized fisherfolk in the central Philippines. MCP is a volunteer-based organization where international volunteers can work alongside a large professional team of marine biologists, scientists, teachers, and dive instructors to help address the many challenges facing our oceans today.
Participation in the program involves extensive scuba diving activities. Volunteers are not required to be qualified divers before joining, as they can receive diving training as part of the program.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
In a travel market saturated with greenwashed volunteer programs run by for-profit companies, this program is the real deal. MCP is a registered non-profit organization that operates under the auspices of the local government and collaborates with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and several European universities.
Beyond the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, volunteering with MCP offers an unforgettable experience. It's bonfires and marshmallows, diving alongside sea turtles, and making new friends from all over the world. It's learning fascinating facts about reef biology, gaining scuba diving skills, and connecting with local communities. It's petting a goat, naming the gecko in your room, and encountering rare and endangered wildlife.
It's about discovery, adventure, and camaraderie. It's receiving sparkling white smiles from local children and warm, toothless grins from their grandmothers. It's all of this—and so much more.
Requirements
Applicants must be able to swim 200 metres to qualify for diver certification. You do not need to be a certified diver before joining the program, as we enjoy teaching and training new divers. If you have any underlying medical conditions, you may be required to obtain medical clearance before participating in diving activities.
Volunteer experience
The day typically begins around 7:00 a.m. with breakfast. After breakfast, the plan for the day is reviewed. Some volunteers may be taking scuba diving courses, while others will be involved in marine research, underwater clean-up activities, or community projects. Your daily activities will largely depend on your stage in the volunteer program and your personal interests.
Lunch is usually served around 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. If you are working far from our base, you will have lunch at a local market or nearby location. After lunch, we often continue with our various activities until later in the afternoon. This may include entering survey data into computers, assisting with research tasks, or helping with other work around the base.
Evenings are more relaxed and varied. At times, you may spend them analysing data collected during dives or studying for your next scuba certification course. More often, however, you'll have the opportunity to relax and unwind with fellow volunteers. How you spend your evenings after dinner is entirely up to you. You might organise a game or movie night, share a drink and some laughs with friends, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Program Fee: USD 550 per week
The fee includes basic accommodation.
It also covers all scuba diving activities, including scuba gear rental, marine park fees, and transportation. In addition, the fee includes supervision and participation in all program activities, airport pickup, Wi-Fi access, and a few extra benefits, such as a program t-shirt and a certificate of recognition.
In short, the fee covers almost everything except personal spending money and travel insurance.
The program fee also includes any PADI recreational scuba diving training courses you choose to enrol in. The only additional costs are the training manual, which is yours to keep after completing the course, and the certification fee payable directly to PADI.
We live in a beautiful old botanical garden on a hill close to the sea, with huts nestled under mango and narra trees. The accommodation is dormitory-style. Limited private accommodation options are also available for an additional weekly fee.
The volunteer fee includes three daily meals, as well as free drinking water, tea, coffee, seasonal fruits, and snacks.
The southern Negros Oriental region offers a wide range of activities during your free time. You can explore world-class diving and snorkeling at Apo Island, which is famous for its sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs, or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding in the sheltered waters of Tambobo Bay.
Nature lovers can visit the stunning Casaroro Falls, hike through tropical forests, or explore the scenic Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao. The mountain town of Valencia is popular for its cooler climate, hot springs, cafés, and lively Sunday market featuring local produce and crafts. Nearby Dumaguete City offers restaurants, shopping, live music, and a vibrant seaside boulevard.
You can also discover mangrove forests, coastal villages, traditional markets, and local festivals throughout the region. Whether you enjoy adventure, wildlife, photography, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in a tropical setting, there is no shortage of opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Negros Oriental.
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