Manila, July 15, 2019 — Seventy-five new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Manila on July 7, 2019. They join the more than 9,000 Americans who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines since 1961, making the Philippines the second oldest Peace Corps program. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, the goal of the U.S. Peace Corps is to promote peace and friendship between the two nations as Volunteers work side-by-side with Filipinos to help build better lives for their communities.
The new Volunteers bring diverse experience and technical skills as well as spirited enthusiasm to learn about the Philippines as they embark on their new adventure. Immediately following their arrival, the Volunteers will undergo an intensive pre-service training that includes technical, language and cultural studies. In partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Local Government Units and local non-governmental organizations, these Volunteers will be assigned to work for twenty-seven months in communities throughout the Philippines in the fields of education, youth development, and environment.