Ways to Join or Support Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP)

Marine Conservation Philippines offers three main routes to get involved: volunteering on base in southern Negros Oriental (the core programme, with packages and prices listed on the site), donating, and subscribing for updates. If you want to see the work before committing, the site hosts short films and more than 130 independent volunteer reviews. The right choice depends on whether you can give time on site or only want to support from a distance.

Volunteer: the main route

Volunteering is the centre of MCP's work — the site describes volunteers as "at the heart of our survey work." Placements run 6–24 weeks, with new volunteers starting every other Monday. Volunteers are typically aged 18–60, and no previous diving experience is needed.

What you actually do

The pattern is progressive: you learn to dive (or build on existing skills), train as a scientific diver, then survey the same reefs week after week. Between dives, community projects, mangrove planting and beach clean-ups fill the schedule.

Before you apply

• Check the time commitment. Six weeks is the stated minimum; the dive-training-to-survey progression takes time, so shorter stays limit how much survey work you can do.
• Look at packages and prices on the site. The site lists packages and prices and mentions progressive discounts for longer stays; confirm current figures there rather than assuming.
• Expect simple living. Shared meals and basic base accommodation are part of the model, not a side note.
• Apply through the site's application page. The site presents "Apply now" as the entry point.

Donate or subscribe: support without travelling

If you cannot commit weeks on site, the site offers Donate and Subscribe as alternatives. Donating supports the research and community work directly; subscribing keeps you connected to updates. The site does not publish specific donation amounts or subscription terms in the material available, so check those pages for current details.

Check the track record first

MCP frames its reporting as "results, not promises." Figures the site cites:

• 17.9 million+ pieces of ocean plastic removed
• 31,000+ mangrove trees planted with partners
• 2,000+ reef surveys every year
• 120+ government divers trained
• Registered Philippine non-profit since 2015
• Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 130+ independent reviews

Its reach spans 14 municipalities in Negros Oriental: its own survey teams cover Zamboanguita, Siaton and Santa Catalina; the BATASS alliance adds Bais City, Amlan, Tanjay City, San Jose and Sibulan; the BATMAN alliance adds Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan and Manjuyod; weekly coastal clean-ups run in Dauin and Dumaguete City. Partners include ENRD, DENR and local government units.

Watch the films and read reviews

The site hosts several short films — Safeguarding our seas (0:37), Our impact (9:56), Our approach to conservation (6:05) and a campus tour (2:13). These are the quickest way to judge whether the base, the diving and the community work match what you want. The review section is equally useful: volunteers describe staff as friendly, committed and supportive, and point to tangible results — a reasonable signal for first-time volunteers weighing a multi-week commitment.

Choosing your route

• You have 6+ weeks and want hands-on conservation work: volunteer, and read the packages and prices page before applying.
• You dive already and want to build survey skills: the PADI-to-scientific-diver pathway is the fit; say so in your application.
• You have limited time or can't travel: donate or subscribe, and use the films and results page to decide whether to support further.
• You're still deciding: start with Our impact and the reviews, then check the application page for start dates (every other Monday).