WASHINGTON D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. hosted a reception at the Embassy’s Quezon Hall on June 6, 2023, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development (PCAFPD).

The Philippines was the second country where the Peace Corps established a partnership in 1961, and since then, over 9,300 volunteers have served in the country.

Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, in his welcome remarks, underscored the profound impact of the Peace Corps on the Philippines.

“For over six decades, the Peace Corps has been an unwavering partner in promoting peace and development in the Philippines. The selfless commitment of the volunteers has been a constant source of inspiration to many and a shining example of friendship. Despite the cultural differences, the Peace Corps has exemplified our shared values of ‘malasakit’ or compassion, ‘makatao’ or humanity, and ‘bayanihan’ or communal spirit. Moreover, your dedication to supporting Filipinos goes beyond your tour of duty,” he said.

During the reception, PCAFPD scholar graduate, Aries Asilo, shared his PCAFPD experience and how it changed his life. “I pray that you will also dream of creating more noble men and women who can be scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and many more. I would like to thank you for sending all your help in many ways,” he said.

Dan Baker, President of the National Peace Corps Association, encouraged his colleagues to share their experiences as Peace Corps volunteers. He expressed that “I challenge you to bring the world home. The Peace Corps’ three goals of partnering with host countries is to meet development needs. This means being cultural ambassadors of the United States to the countries where we serve. By bringing the world home, that is where service never stops.”

Talking about the Peace Corps and its vision, Thomas Peng, Chief Operations and Administration of the United States Peace Corps, said in his remarks, “We are also making sure that (the Peace Corps experience) doesn’t stop in the Peace Corps. It blossoms into huge networks of future opportunities like PCAFPD, opportunities with the Department of State and other organizations or programs that continue to foster these relationships between our countries.”

PCAFPD Justin Tabor closed by saying, “The Philippines has been a huge part of my life, and the connection with the people is still a part of everything that I do. It’s really an honor being a part of this group and to be trusted to be in this group.”

The event was also attended by several Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Filipino fellows, apart from the PCAFPD membership. PCAFPD also highlighted its milestones and projects with a video presentation and an on-site exhibit.

PCAFPD is a non-profit organization created in 1983 by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and staff as a way for former Volunteers and staff to stay connected to the Philippines and to each other in a worthy cause.

Through a scholarship program, the Foundation provides educational opportunities for bright Filipinos who indicate a willingness to contribute to the development of their country, but lack the financial resources to pursue a university degree.

Learn more about PCAFPD at https://rpcvphilippines.org/.