U.S. Peace Corps marks 65 years, welcomes new PH volunteers

The U.S. Peace Corps Philippines has welcomed 49 new Volunteers and five Peace Corps Response Volunteers to Manila as it marks 65 years of service in the country, reinforcing its longstanding partnership with Filipino communities in education, youth development, and environmental protection.

The new arrivals, welcomed on July 6, comprise the 283rd batch of two-year Peace Corps Volunteers and the 56th batch of Peace Corps Response Volunteers.

The milestone comes as the Philippines and the United States also commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, while the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence.

“For 65 years, Peace Corps Volunteers have lived and worked hand in hand with Filipinos, contributing to shared goals in education, environmental protection, and youth empowerment,” said Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy.

“This new batch will now become part of that story. We are excited to see how this newest group will learn from their host communities while contributing their own skills and experiences,” she added.

The 49 new Volunteers will serve for two years in communities across the Philippines, working with local partners to co-teach English in public elementary and secondary schools, support youth development programs in centers managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and assist local government units in coastal resource management initiatives.

During their assignments, the Volunteers will live in their host communities, learn local languages, and collaborate with local partners on projects designed to address community-identified priorities.

Meanwhile, the five Peace Corps Response Volunteers will serve for six to 12 months, bringing specialized expertise to programs on disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and environmental management. Their assignments aim to strengthen the capabilities of local governments and higher education institutions in addressing development challenges.

The Philippines hosts the Peace Corps’ second-oldest program worldwide. Since 1961, more than 9,700 Americans have served alongside Filipino communities in support of Philippine government and local development priorities.

This year, the Peace Corps is celebrating its 65th anniversary globally and in the Philippines, marking more than six decades of volunteer service and people-to-people exchanges between Americans and Filipinos.