Project Cavite
Philippines
The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia in the Pacific Ocean. The country is comprised of 7,107 islands and has a population of more than 100 million people. Due to location, the country is prone to a number of natural hazards, food security issues and is susceptible to climate related diseases such as malaria and dengue. While significant progress has been made towards improving the state of health in the Philippines, there are a number of challenges, both related to communicable and noncommunicable diseases, currently being addressed by the decentralized healthcare system.
Where
The province of Cavite is located within the greater Manila area and is in close proximity to country's capital. The closest municipality is located only 9 miles from Manila, while other communities are located several hours from the capital.
Why
While there are a number of clinics located in the province, health resources and knowledge lack. This has contributed to a high incidence rate of preventable diseases and a lack of proper medication and education.
How
We start with a community diagnostic. We meet with the leaders. We talk to community members. We live and breathe healthcare in the area and implement programs and services based on the actual, current needs.
Our Work
Year-round operations mean adapting to our environment and listening to our communities. We live and work among the families in the communities of Cavite. With the support of our volunteers, we dedicate our resources to three main areas of focus: support for medical interns and residents in rural clinics, health education and special initiatives. Below are a few examples of the initial stages of our work at Project Cavite.
Access
- Support Rural Health Units
- Train local midwives and nurses on computer use for reporting
- Support immunization campaigns
Education
- Barangay Health Workers' trainings
- First aid training in rural communities
- Youth empowerment programs
Participation
- Art programs in the Cancer Institute of Manila
- Partnership with the University of the Philippines
- Hypertension campaigns
Volunteer
Project Cavite thrives on the efforts of volunteers, all of whom contribute to the current needs and initiatives on-site. Whether you're giving a training in diabetes to community members, hiking through the community with Barangay Health Workers, or spending the afternoon taking vital signs in a rural clinic, your efforts allow us to better serve the residents of Cavite and the surrounding communities.
All volunteers have the opportunity to participate in both the clinical and health education aspects of operations on-site, and activities can range from participating in health worker trainings to shadowing in one of the local health clinics.
Over the course of your trip you'll receive an unfiltered experience in health care field work abroad, and learn about the tremendous impact that even one person can have. At our end, so as to maximize your contribution, we will tailor your experience based on current needs of the community, your interests, training, and amount of time that you spend with us on-site in Cavite.
Want to volunteer in the Philippines in the future? Fill out the form below to get in touch with us and let us know you’re interested, and we’ll keep you posted!
"I really enjoyed my time as a volunteer for Project Cavite. I got to experience things that I wouldn't have anywhere else...spending time with the volunteers has opened me up to so many different perspectives and personalities and I learned a lot from each one of them."
- Kendrick VC
