Join us on an amazing journey where you can help others, learn, and experience new cultures. This page is your starting point to find out about the special chances to make a difference in a community that can really benefit from your help and kindness. Whether you've been on many mission trips or this is your first one, we've got all the details you need to get ready for a trip that will be rewarding for both you and the people we're helping.
Big Build Volunteers works with Seventh-day Adventist organisations (e.g. hospitals; schools; local government councils, conferences; unions, orphanages; and churches to provide assistance in restoring dilapidated building structures and constructing schools, homes and churches—facilities that later become centres of outreach for the community.
Since 2012, Big Build Volunteers have been working in many different countries in South East Asia, e.g. Thailand and the Philippines. Short-term mission trips are organised every two years by Big Build Volunteers staff and anyone is welcome to join! Averaging about 10-14 days, designated projects mobilise volunteers who are willing to fund their own travel and accommodation for a life-changing experience. Once there, volunteers not only work on the construction site, but are also involved in community service activities, such as street feeding and educational programs.
The whole experience can have a transformative effect on a volunteer. From exposure to a new culture and society to deeper spiritual growth, people return home changed and ready to positively impact their own communities.
Every two years, the Big Build Mission Trip is held, which is coordinated by Big Build Volunteers staff and invites anyone to join. Additionally, since 2012 Big Build Volunteers have been working in many different countries around southeast asia.
Faith Adventist Academy is located just 10 minutes from the town of Taytay on the island of Palawan. The school year 2018 - 2019 marked the highest enrolment with 270 students aged from 12 to 18 and is a thriving community where children learn a varied curriculum.
Although the school has continued to grow for the past 20 years, at the beginning of 2019, many parents were advised that their children could not be accommodated due to a lack of funds to repair the aging condition of the girls’ dormitory. Some of the issues with the dormitory include a build-up of moisture and mould in the building during the wet season, and an inadequate sewerage system leaving the girls’ restroom in a highly unhygienic state.
Despite the current conditions, the parents of these students were still willing to send their children to Faith Adventist Academy because of the unique education the school offers, and also since many of the other schools in Taytay are operating at full capacity with the main high school having over 3000 students with no room left. To date, there are just over 30 girls being accommodated in this dormitory.
Faith Adventist Academy also has a major water situation. In the dry season, their tanks do not hold enough water which resorts to pumping water from a nearby stagnant waterhole. Additionally, the lack of footpaths between the dormitories and the classrooms cause excess dust in the dry season and muddy conditions in the wet season. Numerous other areas of the school also desperately need repairing and re-painting.
In 2025, Big Build Volunteers plans to:
- Construct six 100,000 litre water tanks that will supply water to the whole school
- Install a concrete septic tank
- Construct concrete footpaths between the dormitories and the classrooms
- Concrete the road in the school
- Concrete the back of the girls’ dormitory
- Replace the classroom roofs and the church roof;
- Replace electrical cables around the school
- Paint the classrooms.
The Big Build will also tackle the issues arising from the wet and dry seasons which are dust and mud as there are no footpaths for the students to walk on from their dormitories to their classrooms. Constructing the footpaths will be one of the biggest jobs of Big Build Palawan.
The roofs of the classrooms need to be replaced and the roof of the church needs to be replaced and the church needs to be extended. The classrooms need to be painted. On the week of the Big Build the students will take the week off to be a part of our team that will be concreting and painting.
- August 2024: A shipping container with necessary materials for the project will be dispatched to the project site in Palawan.
- December 2024: Bill Ringrose from New Zealand will undertake the task of excavating uneven areas around a school in Palawan, which includes the school oval and space behind the classrooms for the installation of concrete water tanks. He will also level the main oval and excavate the area designated for the septic tank.
- January 2025: A team of builders is scheduled to depart for Palawan to initiate construction work on the project.
- 8th January 2025: The Big build team will gather in El Nido, Palawan.
As of 2023 Palawan has a population exceeding 1.2 million including Puerto Princesa City, it’s a blend of diverse cultures and communities. The island's acclaim as the "Most Beautiful Island in the World" in 2016 speaks volumes about its unparalleled natural beauty. Its geography is marked by a significant mountain range and an impressive array of biodiversity, offering stunning landscapes that are a feast for the eyes.
The island is home to a significant Muslim community, a reflection of the Philippines' rich religious and cultural diversity. Islam, a prominent religion in Palawan, has historical roots dating back to the 14th century, adding to the island's rich cultural fabric.
While specific data on the poverty line is not available, Palawan's economy is varied, with many locals engaged in different sectors. Transportation in urban areas is primarily through tricycles, jeepneys, and buses, while boats and ferries facilitate inter-island travel. Additionally, the Puerto Princesa International Airport connects Palawan to other regions, facilitating travel for visitors and locals alike.
The economy of Palawan is driven by three major sectors: tourism, agriculture, and fishing. Each of these industries plays a crucial role in the island's economy and offers a glimpse into the local way of life. The natural attractions of Palawan significantly contribute to its thriving tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world. Agriculture and fishing are also vital to the local economy, supporting the community's livelihood.
There are 117 Seventh-day Adventist churches on the island of Palawan with a membership of 29,331 as of 30 June 2018. The Palawan Adventist Mission is under the North Philippine Union Conference.
As we prepare for our mission trip, we want to ensure that every aspect of our journey supports the health, safety, and well-being of our team. After careful consideration, we have chosen to stay at the Lime Hotel in El Nido, Palawan. We understand that the cost associated with this accommodation may seem high at first glance; however, there are compelling reasons behind our choice.
Prioritising Health and Well-Being
The health and well-being of our team members are paramount. One of the key ways to maintain good health while away from home is by ensuring that our diet remains as consistent as possible with what we are used to in Australia. Sudden changes in diet can lead to health issues, particularly when adapting to local food that our bodies might not be accustomed to. This is a common challenge for travelers and can impact the success and experience of our mission.
Ensuring Suitable and Familiar Food Options
A significant part of the mission trip fee is dedicated to making sure that we have access to food options that are both familiar and suitable to our dietary needs. This is essential to minimise any potential health risks associated with dietary changes. The Lime Hotel in El Nido has been selected because it offers the quality and variety of food necessary to meet our dietary requirements, ensuring that our team can maintain a balanced and healthy diet throughout the trip.
Accommodation Standards
Furthermore, the choice of staying in an accommodation that is above standard, such as the Lime Hotel, is crucial for preventing the spread of sickness among our team members. High-quality accommodation offers better hygiene and comfort, which are vital in minimising the risk of illness that can easily be spread in communal living situations, especially in close quarters.
Conclusion
Our decision to stay at the Lime Hotel is driven by our commitment to the health and safety of our team. By investing in suitable accommodation and food options, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that our team remains healthy and focused on our mission objectives. We believe that this decision is in the best interest of everyone involved and will contribute significantly to the success and positive experience of our mission trip
We're excited to announce that Mick, a professional painter from the Salisbury Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brisbane, will be our head chef during the Big Build mission trip to the Philippines! While Mick's expertise lies in painting, he's also passionate about cooking and will lead a small team, along with local helpers, to provide delicious meals for us on site through the day.
Expect to enjoy a variety of hearty and scrumptious meals that will keep us energised and ready to serve. Mick's culinary efforts will not only fuel our bodies but also bring us together in fellowship, making every meal a memorable part of our mission experience. Get ready for an amazing dining experience that Mick and his team will provide, enhancing our mission with great food and fellowship.
Is this trip worth the investment of time and money? ABSOLUTLY!!
Mission trips are a big investment of time and money. However, we believe the mission experience and the spiritual experience is well worth the investment!
The $2200 AUD (we call this your Participation Fee) includes:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Building materials
- mid week activities
- We would like to provide clarity regarding the cost structure of the upcoming mission trip to the Philippines, specifically addressing the $2,200 fee per participant.
- The Philippines, historically known for its affordability, especially in terms of food and travel costs, has experienced a shift in its economic landscape. Post-pandemic, the cost of living and expenditure in the Philippines have risen, closely aligning with those in Australia. This change is particularly evident in the prices of food, accommodation, and building materials.
- Ensuring the health and well-being of our team is a top priority. To achieve this, it's crucial that we maintain a diet similar to what we are accustomed to in Australia. Adapting to local food can often lead to health issues for travelers, and our goal is to minimize any such risks. Consequently, a significant portion of the trip fee is allocated towards ensuring we have access to familiar and suitable food options.
- In addition to food, accommodation costs have also risen, mirroring Australian standards. We aim to provide comfortable and safe lodging for our team, which significantly contributes to the overall cost of the trip.
- Moreover, an essential aspect of our mission is the building and construction work. Given the escalated prices and availability issues in the Philippines, we have decided to source our building materials from China. These materials will be shipped to the Philippines in a container, ensuring both quality and cost-effectiveness. This logistical arrangement, while providing us with the necessary materials, adds to the overall expense of the mission.
- We understand that the cost may seem substantial, but please be assured that it is carefully calculated to cover all necessary expenses to ensure a safe, comfortable, and productive mission trip. We believe that this investment will facilitate a rewarding experience for all involved, allowing us to make a meaningful contribution to the communities we will be serving in the Philippines.
Banking Details for Your Payment:
- • Bank Name: Westpac• Account: Seddon SDA Church
- • BSB: 733032
- • Account Number: 538612
- Please include the name used on your application form with your payment for identification purposes.
Fundraising your participation fee is one way to get your family and friends involved. Share with them the information about your intentions of going on the Big Build Palawan and see if they are willing to help sponsor your trip.
- Flight costs will vary depending on the destination, the airport you depart from, travel dates, and when you book in relation to your departure dates. Average flights to Manila can cost anywhere from $400 – $1,300 AUD.
- Flights to Palawan from Manila can cost anywhere between $200 – $300 AUD return.
- Booking as a group through a travel agent is another option which gives you monthly instalments to pay off your flights. Talk to your local travel agent.
Airlines that fly from Manila to Palawan:
You will need to catch a flight to the capital, Manila and then board a second flight, where you have the following options:
Option 1: Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, see below for details.
Option 2: Take a chartered flight from Manila to El Nido, see below for details.
Option 3: Take a chartered flight from Manila to San Vicente, see below for details.
Option 1: Fly to Puerto Princesa, the main city in Palawan where the major airlines will fly to. From the airport you will need to travel by road to get to Taytay, which is approximately 170 kms. Google estimates 2 hours and 40 minutes, so if you choose public transport, allow yourself 5 hours as the road is windy and travel time is also dependent on the number of pit stops and toilet stops made along the way.
We emphasise the importance of planning your travel arrangements carefully. To ensure a smooth and stress-free start to our mission, we advise the following itinerary: Departure Date: Aim to leave on January 7, 2025. This schedule allows for any unforeseen travel delays and provides a buffer to ensure timely arrival in Taytay.
Overnight Stay in Manila: After your departure, we recommend an overnight stay in Manila. This break will offer you a chance to rest and acclimatise before the final leg of the journey. Flight from Manila to El Nido: On January 8, take an Air Swift flight from Manila to El Nido, Palawan. This direct route is the most efficient way to reach our final destination in Taytay.
Planning your travel with these guidelines will help ensure you arrive in Taytay refreshed and ready for the Big Build.
Option 2: Fly to El Nido, (private airport) a slightly more expensive flight but quicker. El Nido is is where the Lime hotel is situated, the hotel for our trip. approximately an hour's drive from Faith Academy which is located in Taytay. From here you will need to organise transport to Taytay. There are vehicles that travel this route.
Allow yourself ample travel time to arrive in Taytay for the start of the Big Build on 8th January 2025
Option 3: Fly to San Vicente from Manila which is 1 hour, 20 mins out of Manila by plane and also slightly less expensive but you can get on 30 kg of luggage no extra cost flying Sunlight Air. Once you land The drive to Faith Academy from here is approximately 60-minutes and two hours to El Nido which includes a few hills. You will need to organise this road transport yourself. There are also vehicles available that travel this route regularly.
Allow yourself ample travel time to arrive to El Nido for the start of the Big Build on 8th January 2025.
Thank you for dedicating your time to learn about the Big Build mission trip to the Philippines. Your consideration in joining us on this Christ-centered mission is deeply valued. Our journey is not just about building structures; it's about building hope, faith, and love in the communities we serve, embodying the hands and feet of Christ on earth.
As you've navigated through our pages, you might have noticed the application form buttons. These are your pathways to officially becoming a part of this transformative mission. By clicking on any of these buttons, you can take the next step towards joining us in spreading God's love through action.
We invite you to prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve alongside us. Your participation could bring about a change that echoes in the lives of those we help and in the hearts of everyone involved. If you feel called to be a part of this mission, please fill out the application form. Together, let's embark on this journey of faith, hope, and love, making a lasting difference in the name of Christ.
We eagerly anticipate the possibility of welcoming you into our mission family. May God guide your decision, and should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Let us join hands in this mission for Christ, for through Him, all things are possible.