PSDCF's volunteer program is unique when compared to other organisations' volunteer programs. It is unique because volunteers will experience living with the local coastal community where its natural resources are the once that we are trying to conserve. Volunteers will witness real hands on conservation in action by themselves by collecting valuable data: on a new species ( e.g. Rafflesia lobata), on a potentially new species (e.g. Nepenthes in Malalison Island), on Caluya municipality's mangroves distribution. By assisting on the proclamation process of marine sanctuaries in Semirara Island, 6 coral reefs in Libertad municipality, 1 coral reef in Barbaza municipality etc. PSDCF collaborate closely with the Philippine DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) in Culasi with all its conservation activities. From the beginning of 2009 PSDCF will have a desk space inside the new DENR office in Culasi with internet connection. In fact, I will strongly encourage PSDCF volunteers to make use of this office space and mingle with the DENR officials and staffs. The PSDCF accommodation (see map below) in Barangay (suburb) Idio, Sebaste Municipality, Antique Province, Panay Island is along the western sea coast where the jungle fieldwork site is on the east and the Island fieldwork site is on the west on Sulu Sea. We generally start fieldwork expeditions from the accommodation site to fieldwork sites and back. The presence of western volunteers in Idio makes the people in Idio very proud of the natural resources that they have and sub-consciously encourage them to conserve them. The volunteer program therefore is a win-win-win scenario for the local community (because it employs local guides and porters, and makes them feel great that their natural resources are very important that outsiders are willing to come over to help them conserve it), for the local environment (scientific fieldwork to describe its natural resources and new species) and for the volunteers (to practice field conservation biology and have a trip of a life time). Costs is as advertised per week. This will include pick up and transport to accommodation site. Volunteer will have a single bed in a single room or share a double bedroom with another volunteer on a single bed. 3 meals per day (vegetarian food is available) and mineral water on a dispenser. Limited access to internet in our accommodation and unlimited in our office with the DENR office in Culasi. Porters and guides for the jungle/island fieldwork. Hummock and camping equipments. SCUBA diving gears. Boat rides to and from the Island field sites. First aid kit. Road trips on our vehicle. The cost to volunteers does not include boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay and other Boracay activities. I will be more than happy to guide all the volunteers in Boracay. Alcoholic beverages is also not included. From mid-February to late May 2010. Caluya Island mangroves fieldwork and Semirara Island proposed marine sanctuary PSDCF was asked by DENR in Culasi, and the Municipality of Caluya to assist in identifying and surveying the mangroves distribution in the municipality which composed of Caluya, Semirara, Sibata, Sibay, Sibol, Liwagao and Nagubat Islands. Volunteers will assist in identifying the mangroves distribution, identification of species composition, current condition of the distribution, gps data collection and mapping etc. There will be inter-islands hopping and camping over many nights on remote and small islands. Volunteers will have opportunities to snorkel and/or dive on the islands numerous coral reefs. Especially on the new marine sanctuary in Caluya that PSDCF assisted in its proclamation in April 2009. See Caluya project page and map below. Semirara Island is the largest Island in the Caluya municipality and the local government unit or Barangay (Suburb) has earmarked a marine sanctuary. PSDCF has been asked by the Caluya municipality and DENR to assist in the proclamation of this coral reef as a marine sanctuary by performing fieldwork to identify the boundries of this reef through sonar reading and diving, and set marker bouys. The activity will be identical to what PSDCF has done in Caluya Island in April 2009. Seagrasses and Dugong survey in Libertad Elodie Campresse is a PSDCF volunteer who is performing her Masters research work in collaboration with the Philippine National Museum- Botany Division seagrasses and Dugong in the Libertad coastline. Volunteers are required to assist in the seagrasses species abundance and distribution survey. Volunteers will be snorkeling and diving on a daily basis weather permitting. Palawan fieldwork and accommodation scoping trip We will be crossing Sulu Sea from southern Panay (Iloilo City) via Cuyo Islands to Peuerto Princessa Palawan by ferry boat. We will meet the local DENR officers to assist us in finding a suitable new research sites both in terrestrial and marine environment. Palawan is well recognised as the last frontier in the Philippines because it is still 80% covered by the jungle and has the best coral reefs and Islands. Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist in deciding a potential new research area by walking in the jungle and by snorkeling and/or diving. 19th Annual Symposium organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines, April 2010 All the volunteers will attend this Symposium in Bicol University in the foothills of Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City. Attendees to this symposium are all the conservation biodiversity practitioners in the country. The practitioners are both local and international conservationist. The symposium are programmed for 3 to 4 days. After this we will have a chance to visit Donsol to swim with whale sharks. Libertad Municipality marine sanctuaries proclamations The DENR in Culasi and the Municipality of Culasi was so impressed by the work done by the PSDCF in April 2009 in proclaiming the Caluya Island marine sanctuary and now the Municipality of Libertad with DENR is asking PSDCF to assist in the proclamation of their marine sanctuaries in Barangay ( or suburb of) Tinigbas, Pucio 1 and Pucio 2, San Roque, Bulanao and Pajo. See map below. Once proclaimed these marine sanctuaries will become protected area under the Philippine National Integrated Protected Area System Act 1992 (NIPAS Act) and Philippine Wildlife Act 2002. These Acts are the country's response when it signed the UN's 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity at the Rio Earth Summit. The coral reef is approximately between 5 to 10 hectares in the northern section of the Island. Volunteers will assist in the marine biomass description by diving and/or snorkeling to capture underwater video and photographs. This data will be used to identify the species of fish and corals that live on the area. Data collection on coral heads diameter will be performed as well. The volunteers will also assist in the marine park boundary delineation and sonar reading by identifying where the coral reefs ends. The duration of the marine activities will be about a week depending on the weather condition and the progress of the data collection. Libertad is approximately 20 kms from our accommodation in Idio ( Municipality of Sebaste), see map below Barbaza Municipality marine sanctuary proclamation The activity will be identical to the Libertad but the location will be in Barbaza's coral reefs which is approximately 30kms south of our accommodation. See map below Malalison Island Nepenthes (pitcher plant) & Assessment of coral reef damage In November 2008 PSDCF started population data collection on a potentially new species of Nepenthes (pitcher plant) in Malalison Island. Volunteers will continue collecting these data on a 10x10 meter quadrat around the Island. See map below.  Abiera marine sanctuary bouy marker installation Abeira marine sanctuary is along the coastline of Barangay (suburb) of Abiera. It is only a small sanctuary with 2 flags to identify its boundary. PSDCF has 4 orange bouys left over from Sebaste shoal bouy marker installation activity in March 2008. We will install these bouys to mark the boundary of Abiera marine sanctuary. Volunteers can snorkel in the sanctuary to monitor the current condition of the corals. Jungle fieldwork Volunteers will assist in data collection of Rafflesia lobata and other species that PSDCF is working on in the jungle. The Rafflesia jungle expedition includes overnight stays up to 4 days deep in the jungle while the other jungle fieldwork are only day trips away. Depending on the volunteer's fitness and walking skills, some volunteers may not be allowed to participate on the overnight jungle expeditions. Each volunteer fitness and walking skills will be assessed during recreational activities (e.g. day trips to waterfalls) and jungle fieldwork day trips. Recreational activities
Information pack download now Vision My vision is to work with the local Philippine community to responsibly and sustainably use the natural resources for the benefit of the community, PSDCF and the volunteers. The volunteers will leave with a feeling that they have contributed to the community and to the preservation of their precious, untainted environment and at the same time had a trip of a lifetime! I foresee the future managing a successful multi -sites, sustainable volunteer business and discover and document more new species of plants and animals. Mission To be recognized by the volunteers as a leading conservationist that provide a fantastic service and as a leader in volunteer service provider in the Philippines.  Barangay (suburb) Idio, Sebaste Municipality, Antique Province, Panay Island, Philippines (see map above). A modern newly painted walls and varnished floors with 4 bedroom house (3 double bedrooms and one single bedroom). Kitchen, dining and lounge room, outside laundry area, toilets and hot showers. Mineral drinking water on a disperser. Cooking is outside. The town hall is next door and manned 24 hours. Rooms with ceiling fans and have electric lights and power points. The accommodation site is based in an area where the jungle and island expeditions will begin and end. A prepaid wireless internet access is available in the accommodation. Food 3 meals per day. Breakfast is fresh bread delivered very early in the morning and fresh tropical fruit. Lunch/diner is freshly caught fish, pork, chicken or duck, with fresh organically and locally grown vegetables. In October 2005 I was fortunate enough to travel with Renee to the island of Panay in the Philippines. This was an incredible adventure through spectacular coastal mountain wilderness area. I was fortunate enough to be one of a very few visitors to summit the breathtaking Mt Sakpaw and participate in data collection for the incredible new species of rafflesia, Rafflesia lobata in this ecological Eden. With awe-inspiring vistas, un-spoilt jungles, beautiful coastal beaches remote villages and welcoming and intriguing locals this was an adventure of a lifetime that I would highly recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure and an environmental conscience. - Darren Jones This is a trip where your physical and mental abilities will be pushed. The unique and untouched wilderness makes every step worth while. There were times when you'd be running on pure adrenaline and the lure of a camp fire, cooked meal and a good night's sleep never sounded so good. Few outsiders have step foot in parts of this jungle and once in the heart you will know why. The local guides are amazing and always willing to lend a hand. The beauty of the Philippines and it's undiscovered secrets awaits. This is the real wilderness adventure where narrow paths are made along the way, not followed. - Peter Fragopoulos I travelled with Renee to the island of Panay in 2004 and spent 3 weeks in the jungle of Mt Sakpaw. 3 weeks spent sleeping in hammocks under the stars, walking through unspoilt jungle, I had a great time. I found the local people to be very friendly and helpful. The views from the top of the mountain across to the coast were breathtaking, the walks through the jungle and up the mountain were both challenging and exhilarating, but well worth the effort! I highly recommend a trip to this area of the world for anyone wanting a trip a little bit out of the ordinary and off the beaten track. You'll love the Philippines! - Simon Brady What an amazing experience! On the ground scientific training combined with a true insight into local culture. It seems everywhere else in the world has manipulated tourism for their own ends- but not on Panay. There you can still be accepted by local people and live as they do in their village- with not another tourist in sight for miles. I volunteered on the 2008 November trip, looking at two potentially new species, with a team of five other conservationists. Exploring the jungle was tough, but so worthwhile. Can there be any more exciting feeling than watching the local skilled guides pounce on an animal they and possibly no one else has ever seen before?! The conservation value of the Central Panay mountains is unbelievable, and yet it is barely scientifically researched or protected. That's where I felt I was a real help; actively working to preserve this beautiful landscape before it's too late. Working with PSDCF is a memory I will never forget. I have travelled Asia extensively since, and yet nowhere else have I come as close as the experience I gained with the Filipino people. Come prepared to chip in, and you will gain the experience of a lifetime! - Laura Fogg Firstly, I would like to say the trip far exceeded my expectations and was a fantastic experience. Thank you to all those involved and for making the whole experience a truly unforgettable one! My adventure began when I volunteered for PSDCF in the Philippines in November 2008. The very first day the volunteers arrived was in the midst of a typhoon, but even that didn't dampen our spirits - excuse the pun! As we arrived after sunset, all was dark and we could see very little of our local surroundings. The morning brought with it baking sunshine and unbelievable scenery. Imposing mountains covered in pristine primary and secondary rainforest provided a magnificent backdrop to the stunning rice terraces of local paddy fields. Combine that with the black sands of the volcanic beach, home to both local fishing grounds and an ecologically important marine park, and the Baranguay of Idio on Panay Island is a truly spectacular destination. The host and leader of the PSDCF- Renee Galang- is friendly and relaxed with a drive to research the local marine and terrestrial species and their environments of both Idio and the surrounding regions. Such research increases ecological knowledge of the islands habitats and (often rare) species and helps build a much-needed database of ecological information for the area. The welcome received from the local people of Idio is one of the warmest you'll find anywhere and Filipino's are possibly one of the friendliest groups of people you could ever wish to meet. During my trip I feel I have made many life-long friendships with people from the PSDCF, the other volunteers, as well as many of the locals, and experienced a different culture, which I love. The local community is appreciated and viewed by the PSDCF as a key aspect for the success and stability of such environments. The foundation is able to assist in supporting the local community through encouraging a small-scale level of tourism and employment of locals as guides. With the help of his highly skilled group of guides, Renee has already discovered and been accredited with a new species of parasitic plant: Rafflesia lobata, of the family Rafflesiaceae. Within our own expedition alone, we believe we may have sourced a rare or even new species of reptile. Although there no guarantees of what species you may see on your own journey, it is guaranteed that with the four local guides and Renee relentlessly bringing all manner of creatures for you to view and occasionally hold, you won't be short of a very up close and personal experience! Never had I pictured myself scaling slippery rock faces to view spectacular waterfalls; walking into pristine parts of the rainforest never before traversed by Westerners; or eating dried fish so salty I thought my tongue may give up and resign from my own mouth. Highlights of the trip, of which there were many, included: the waterfalls, the jungle, the wildlife, snorkelling, the food (always very fresh), multiple boat rides in all manner of vessels, the overwhelming friendliness and hospitality of the people, the local fiesta, the children, need I go on ?! With regards to travel warnings, such dangers may present themselves in the most southerly islands and regions, areas where we were not required to travel into or near. Such warnings should not deter volunteers from such an amazing and meaningful life experience. Our daily motto was probably “be flexible” and certainly “expect the unexpected”. During the time of year in which we travelled, the changeable weather conditions meant it was important to stay relatively flexible in terms of planning for the days ahead. Time is very relaxed in the Philippines and plans often change according to circumstances. The trip presented an opportunity for personal development whilst volunteering and to make a difference for wildlife, the environment, and to help support the local community. It provided new sights, experiences, insights, and friends along the way; I regret only one thing about the whole experience and that is “I wish it had been longer!” -Gemma Brandt Right from the start, my volunteer time with the PSDCF was an invaluable experience that took me on a journey along stunning tropical beaches, amongst wonderfully warm and vibrant local communities and to sparkling streams and waterfalls in pristine montane jungle. The projects accommodation is set amid the traditional coastal community of Idio, and the local people welcomed myself and the other volunteers as if we were part of their extended family. Over the next three weeks our activities took us through a bewilderingly varied collection of ecosystems and habitats. Our days were frequently exciting, interesting and challenging, but always fun. The project took me into many unique and sometimes unpredictable situations that allowed me plenty of personal development opportunities, skills that will be invaluable to me in the future. During all of the activities, we were supported by the knowledge of our expert and committed local guides and the affable supervision of Renee Galang, a project leader who was always relaxed and great fun to be around no matter what the twists and turns of a day dealt us! Special mention must go to the four day jungle expedition to the Rafflesia sites that I undertook with our three local guides and Gregg, a fellow volunteer on the project. The experience of spending time in the pristine jungle with these former hunters, who now, because of their work with the PSDCF, are committed to the conservation of their precious and endangered ecosystem, was something I will never forget. Just watching and learning as they used the skills garnered over many generations, to locate food, find and identify plant and animal species, navigate through thick jungle (even in the dark!) and to pitch camp and light a fire within minutes, even in the rain, was an education. Another highlight was our time spent on the island of Malalison, studying a potentially new species of pitcher plant. Our beach camp had a real castaway feel to it, with the small island being completely untouristed. After a hard day of data collection, we spent lazy evenings around a camp fire, with laughter, fun and just enough liquid refreshment, watching clouds of fire flies dance around us in the moonlight. The islands community had been badly affected by the hurricane Frank, but again here, the Philippine people gave us the warmest of welcomes. A fond memory is the afternoon spent with the Philippine coast guard. We hopped onto their boat and visited the vessel charged with salvaging the wreck of a container ship, which had sunk out on the reef in the bay, during the hurricane. Just being involved in these things, talking to the captain and the brave salvage divers, really brought home the breadth of the challenges facing these local communities and how organisations like the PSDCF can help them to fulfil their potential for developing sustainably whilst protecting their local environment. I feel that volunteering with the PSDCF is ideal for anybody with an imaginative, sympathetic and open mind, who wants to make a difference in a place so far free from intensive economic development or tourism. The project is perfect for conscientious backpackers and travellers with an interest in environmental issues, who wants to experience genuine interaction and involvement with a traditional and vibrant local community, rich in natural resources and which needs help to develop in a sustainable way. The project is also ideal for under or post graduates keen to develop a conservation, environmental or sustainability based project in an untapped area rich in unique research opportunities. I found Renee and the officials based at DENR office in Culasi highly enthusiastic when asked about any potential research into these areas of study. But the great thing about volunteering with the PDSCF was as well as being a great place for research and study, there was always some free time for us to enjoy the hospitality of the friends we made in the local community, enjoy the many parties and festivals on offer, as well as having the opportunity to travel farther afield to the tourist party island of Boracay. I'm looking forward to the next opportunity I'll have to return and volunteer with the PSDCF again in the future! - Neil Clarke |
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