The 282nd batch of Peace Corps Volunteers arrives in the Philippines

For the first time in its 63-year partnership with the Philippines, the Peace Corps welcomed the joint arrival of 48 two-year Volunteers and 7 short-term Response Volunteers, who will serve alongside Filipino partners in communities across Luzon and the Visayas to support education, youth development, and environmental sustainability.

These newly arrived Volunteers will be assigned across the regions after completing their training. The Volunteers will co-teach English in public elementary and secondary schools, facilitate youth development programs in Department of Social Welfare and Development-accredited organizations and residential shelters, and support local governments in establishing marine protected areas and strengthening coastal resource management.

“It is a joy to welcome our newest Volunteers to the Philippines. Their joint arrival not only symbolizes our renewed momentum since the pandemic but also reflects our deepening collaboration with local partner institutions and Filipino communities. I look forward to seeing how each Volunteer will build meaningful relationships and contribute to community-led initiatives throughout their service,” said Marguerite Roy, country director of Peace Corps Philippines.

The arrival of the 282nd batch of two-year Volunteers and the 55th batch of Response Volunteers brings the total number of Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving in the country to 140, marking the highest number in recent years and exceeding pre-pandemic levels of Volunteer presence in the Philippines.

“Thank you for choosing the Philippines for your Volunteer work,” said Donald James Gawe, executive director of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. He expressed confidence that the new American Volunteers will “continue to serve as builders of hope and catalysts of change. I wish you success and trust that your batch will have a meaningful volunteering experience and reach a 100% completion rate.”

Before deployment, Volunteers undergo 11 weeks of intensive pre-service training, including technical, language, and cultural studies. Meanwhile, Response Volunteers complete a condensed two-week orientation. Ranging in age from 22 to 67, the new Volunteers bring diverse experiences, technical skills, and a shared commitment to learn about the Philippines and contribute to locally led development efforts.

The Philippines is the second oldest U.S. Peace Corps program across the globe. Since 1961, more than 9,500 Americans have served alongside Filipino community members in support of government and community development priorities.