Philippine-American Friendship Week Sees Arrival of 80 New Peace Corps Volunteers.  Landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday, July 6^th, 80 new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers joined the more than 8,000 Americans who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines since 1961, making the Philippines the second oldest Peace Corps program. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, the goal of the U.S. Peace Corps is to promote peace and friendship between the two nations as volunteers work side-by-side with Filipinos to promote friendship and help build better lives for their communities.  

  The new Volunteers range in age from 21 to 61, 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 10-week pre-service training that includes technical, 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 for a period of two years in communities throughout the Philippines in the fields of education, youth development and environment.