Philippine-American Friendship Week Sees Arrival of 70 New Peace Corps Volunteers

Peace Corps Trainee Group 271 arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on July 8. They were met by Peace Corps Country Director Denny Robertson and members of Peace Corps Philippines staff.

Marking the end of Philippine-American Friendship Week, the Philippines welcomed the arrival of 70 new U.S. Peace Corps volunteers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday, July 8^th.  These new volunteers join the more than 8,000 Americans who have served as Peace Corps volunteers in the Philippines since 1961, working side-by-side with Filipinos to promote friendship and help build better lives for their communities.   Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, the goal of the US Peace Corps is to promote peace and friendship between the Philippines and the United States.

The new volunteers range in age from 22 to 82, and 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 11-week technical training that includes language and cultural studies to prepare them for their service.  In partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of Welfare and Social Development, Local Government Units and local non-governmental organizations, these volunteers will be assigned to work in communities throughout the Philippines in the fields of education, youth development and environment for a period of two years.  

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