Welcome to the GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE for the Medical Mission trip 2023
Medical Mission Trip 2023 Vision
The Philippines is subject to more natural disasters, particularly typhoons and earthquakes, than any other country. Since 2014, HAND-Philippines has been working with a handful of poverty-stricken communities to help with recovery and rebuild self-sufficiency.
Our 2023 mission trip is designed such that the Org takes care of your needs, allowing you to focus on serving the sick in rural villages struggling to recuperate from a super typhoon that was likely potentiated by climate change. Uplifting lives halfway around the world, volunteers will come out of our mission trips with a sense of accomplishment. In addition, many volunteers are inspired to champion our causes beyond the medical mission trip and help us continue working to realize our goal of sustainable healthcare for the underserved.
File photo: Medical Mission Trip 2018 volunteers.
Itinerary
US-based volunteers are expected to depart for the Philippines by 9 May 2023. Due to the time difference, expect to lose a day on departure and gain a day on return.
The 10-day mission trip is broken down into three segments. The first three days are devoted to team building and orientation activities, with some beach time to shake off your jet lag. This is followed by five work days in the different clinics we serve. The last two days are for de-stressing and departures.
We suggest that, at the very least, plan for a return on or after 19 May. And if you are staying for one of our Cultural Immersions, add four days to that. Our Travel Coordinator can guide you through flight scheduling and booking to ensure your travels are as seamless as possible.
File photo: Minor surgery, Medical Mission Trip 2018.
Flight Routing
We recommend booking a flight to Cebu Mactan International Airport (CEB). Our ground staff will await you to take you to your final destination, our Home Base in Bohol. If you decide to enter the country through Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) or Clark International Airport (CRK), make sure your itinerary includes a domestic flight to Tagbilaran Panglao International Airport (TAG) where our ground staff will await you. Unfortunately, we do not have ground staff to assist you with transfers at MNL or CRK, making these options risky and less desirable.
File photo: Our Home Base.
Lodging Options, Services, and Other Activities
For the first ten days, you will stay at the Home Base, where creature comforts are provided in a collegial and communal atmosphere. Most volunteers stay in shared accommodations. If you travel solo or as a couple, you may choose to pay a little extra to stay in a private room. Those traveling as a family or group may choose one of the large private rooms.
The bucolic Home Base is located in northern Bohol. It is a gated complex of houses with a large yard and a pool. Volunteers can spread out and find alone time for reading, yoga, or meditation in the verandas and lush gardens within the compound. The rooms are quiet, clean, and air-conditioned. Meals are served in the main house, where we do our morning briefings. After returning from work, most volunteers usually hang out at the pool area for dinner and socialization.
Services that come standard with your stay are wifi, laundry, room cleaning, and linen/towel services. Spa-type services, such as massage, reiki, reflexology, etc., are not included but may be booked through an outside provider.
The town center, about two miles from the Home Base, has ATMs, money exchanges, and groceries. Our Home Base drivers may be able to take you there if needed.
Group sightseeing trips and recreational activities are also included. This may include island hopping to see marine life and inland excursions to check out the world-famous Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary.
File photo: Urgent Care, Medical Mission Trip 2016.
Cultural Immersion
We understand that volunteers selflessly donate time, money, and talent to improve the lives of people half the world away. HAND-Philippines is committed to bringing meaning to our valued volunteer’s experience by promoting camaraderie and fellowship with other volunteers and community partners. Additionally, we add worth to the volunteer’s experience in the form of local sight excursions and cultural activities in and around the communities we serve during the medical mission.
After the medical mission, we offer our volunteers a Cultural Immersion trip to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy touristic activities before returning to the US. In 2023, participants may choose Cebu, El Nido, Coron, Boracay, or Siargao. Cultural Immersion is a travel package organized by HAND-Philippines that includes round-trip airfare to the destination of choice, a three-night hotel stay, and all airport transfers. Our Travel Coordinator will assist with bookings and payments to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
File photo: Cultural Immersion, Siargao, 2014.