FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, November 13, 2009

Secretary of State Clinton Swears in New Peace Corps/Philippines Volunteers

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 13, 2009 Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton swore in 63 new Peace Corps/Philippines volunteers at the U.S. Embassy in Manila today. Secretary Clinton addressed the new volunteers and was joined by Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Peace Corps/Philippines Country Director Sonia Derenoncourt.

The new Peace Corps/Philippines volunteers were sworn in after completing three months of in-country training to prepare them for their service in education, coastal resource management, and youth and family development. The volunteers will work on projects in 20 Philippine provinces and join 130 Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in the Philippines.

On behalf of the United States Peace Corps Philippines, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Secretary of State Clinton for her participation, said Peace Corps/Philippines Country Director Sonia Derenoncourt. As Peace Corps approaches its 50th Anniversary, I am proud that we remain committed to promoting world peace and friendship through public service. Secretary Clintons willingness to administer the oath to our new volunteers is truly indicative of her support of Peace Corps and the work of our volunteers.

Several of the newly-sworn in Peace Corps volunteers shared their thoughts:

Today, I was honored to have the Secretary of State swear me in as a volunteer as I prepare for a two year commitment to peace and friendship between the Philippines and the United States, said Thomas Ferrebee from Virginia Beach, Va. Sec. Clintons presence was an important reminder to me and my fellow volunteers that the people of the United States value working together to find common ground and promoting shared efforts to address the cause of peace. I am privileged to be a part of such a valuable legacy.

Peace Corps/Philippines is the second oldest Peace Corps program. Over 8,448 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in the Philippines since the program was established in 1961.

When Secretary Clinton spoke to us, it struck me that the tradition of service crosses a broad spectrum, said Susanne Hicks, from Tampa, Fla. It does not matter if you are the leader of a great nation, a famous person or a volunteer the call to service is for all of us to answer.

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 75 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

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