Voluntary work on a Tourist Visa.

As I am here in the Phils on a tourist visa i am of the belief that it is not allowed for me to do voluntary unpaid charitable work in the Philippines. I have had the discussion before with friends here on this subject and it has been pointed out quite clearly that its not allowed and if the BI got wind of it I could possibly be deported and possibly blacklisted.

OK, just to clarify I have no intention of taking such a risk...... BUT.... my question is this....

Does anybody know of a foreigner on a TOURIST VISA that fell foul of this ruling? Did they get a verbal warning OR were they deported etc?

 

Oh my!! I never heard that before! Are you referring to actual "work", or any types of charity in general? We took money and food to the orphanage a few times and we participated in the Christmas Angel Tree program. Would those type things not be allowed if on a tourist visa? You would think any kind of charitable work would be encouraged.

 

https://www.volunteerworld.com/en/volunteer-abroad/philippines

 

It would seem reasonable to think that way. Logic does not always apply here.
I just read a story where tons of relief goods for typhoon Yolanda are being disposed of because they have spoiled.
It seems the donors did not pay the IMPORT TAXES on the relief goods so the BOC seized them.
Go figure.
Beam me up Scotty.

 

Why do you want to join an organization? You want to socialize or do you have other reason for that? You can easily help around, many will be grateful to receive your help. We all have our own opinion on how to do it if we want to help. I let my gf take care of that part and not very often its money, instead, we give food, coffee, clothes and sometimes for medical needs or a spare part for a fishing boat. I don't give much, can't even feel it on my budget and we get so much in return from the locals, I believe it's not only because we support a little, but also show respect and interest in the people who live around you can be very rewarding

 

I agree wholeheartedly with your Post! Charities for the most are a JOKE! Those who run them live in nice houses, drive nice cars and mix in high circles whilst their underlings do the dirty work due to the distribution of funds being greatest at the top dwindling as it goes down the chain of command.

IF you really want to help then GET OUT ON THE STREET! Usually when in the City, I will buy a little extra food and place into my Bag, and as I walk around the City, I WILL come across a mother with children or some small kids sitting hopelessly under a small piece of shade somewhere, who I will then pass that extra food on to. I never give money anymore after a few run ins (with men who threw the food back at me and held out their hand demanding DOLLAR!) so if they are hungry they will gladly take the food offered to them! Sometimes we will buy a small bag of groceries to give to someone we feel needs a little help or help when there is a genuine medical emergency that we know is real. Food I think is much better to give than money. There are plenty of people in need here.

When I did attend a Church here, we gave money to buy 20 Bibles, never saw them and was told that the congregation took them home, yet each weekend, it was always the same 2 or 3 people holding onto Bibles that looked to be many decades old missing covers and pages, never once did I see a member turn up with a new Bible! We gave money to help Tile the entrance, that went to paying for the Pastors Licence to perform Marriage Ceremonies. Each time we gave, I saw nothing given back to the congregation who were DIRT POOR! I would have been happy even to see donated Canned goods or similar being handed to the poorest, but that suggestion was met with a scoff and a smirk. Pastor rides a fancy new branded Bike of course and owns his own house etc...

You can do so much more yourself rather than feed an Enterprise (aka; Charity) which leeches from those who need it the most to keep those at the top in a comfortable lifestyle. You will eventually learn how to tell who is genuine, and who is not, albeit; it many of the poor or disabled here are controlled by Syndicates who take the money you give to them, but you will work it out over time.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=volunteer+work+tourist

If you were to go to the park and rake the leaves, nobody is going to boot you out of the country. However, they might have a case that you are "undesirable" because you must have a screw loose.

To get busted for anything here, you have to either get caught up in a crackdown, p*ss off the wrong person or generally attract the wrong attention.

Jamrock Cafe usually has some sort of project in the works for kids in the region. They do school feeding events and small school improvement projects. Something like that would be a good way to dip your toes into someone which pools together resources and has someone actively working on organizing. Maybe go talk to the owner there.

 

Thank you for your reply, that was the kind of thing that I had in mind, simple work at a school/orphanage etc etc, not just to donate food etc but also to donate time, the opportunity to 'give back' so to speak.
I have actually spoken to the owner in Jamrock Cafe, only last week as it happens and therein lies the problem. He is on a different visa to me, guys that are on marriage visas or on retirement visas or even quota visas are allowed to do so much more without having to look over their shoulders for potential trouble. As I am on a tourist visa (6 months rolling) those good deeds that I mentioned (school/ orphanage) are NOT permitted as no type of work on a tourist visa is allowed, paid or unpaid according to the BI. What I do not know is if they are EVER enforced hence my original question..... Does anybody know of someone getting deported or even deported and blacklisted for doing unpaid voluntary work?