FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines Are Safe

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 29, 2009

In light of the recent flooding in the Philippines, Peace Corps can confirm all volunteers currently serving in the Philippines have been contacted by Peace Corps staff and are safe. No volunteers are serving in or near the area affected by the heavy rains and floods.

"On behalf of the Peace Corps and the more than 7,500 volunteers serving around the world, I send my condolences to the people of the Philippines. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana," said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.

Currently, 79 Peace Corps volunteers (PCVs) and 10 Peace Corps response volunteers (PCRVs) serve in the Philippines. Sixty-seven (67) Peace Corps Trainees are currently undergoing pre-service training in the Philippines; they will be sworn-in as volunteers on November 13th, 2009.

Peace Corps headquarters and staff in the Philippines are both in constant communication with the U.S. Embassy and will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation.

In preparation for possible natural disasters, each Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan specific to that country. The plans are tested frequently and information is updated constantly.

History:

Peace Corps Philippines is the agencys second oldest program. In October 1961, 130 Volunteers started assignments as teachers of English language, mathematics, and science. More than 8,300 Volunteers have served in the Philippines.

Volunteers in this Southeast Asian nation work in the areas of: education; youth, children, and family services; and in an environmental program focusing on coastal resource management. Peace Corps Response Volunteers also serve in a variety of capacities in the areas of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation.

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