September 17-21, 2024, San Mateo, Rizal – The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) participated in the Peace Corps Philippines Work Partner’s Conference. This event also marked the formal assignment of Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) Rachel Davis to CCEF, where she will support Coastal Resource Management (CRM) initiatives for the next two years. The conference brought together various partner organizations across the country to strengthen collaborations aimed at community development and environmental conservation.
Representing CCEF at the conference was newly-hired Admin/HR Officer Marilou Gallarde. The gathering kicked off with a welcome dinner at Mahogany Hall, where work partners were introduced to the Peace Corps volunteers. Rachel Davis, a 22-year-old volunteer from the United States, was formally introduced as CCEF’s assigned CRM volunteer. The event provided an opportunity for CCEF to build stronger ties with Peace Corps staff and volunteers working on similar projects in the Philippines.
The main sessions of the conference commenced on September 18, 2024, with opening remarks from Peace Corps Philippines Acting Country Director Matt Tully. An overview of the conference was presented by Training Manager Boni Bucol, Jr., setting the stage for key discussions on successful work partnerships, Intercultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ICDEIA), and the Peace Corps’ approach to community-driven development. These sessions provided valuable insights into effective volunteer management and the importance of fostering inclusive, respectful collaborations.
One of the most inspiring moments of the conference came during a session led by seasoned Peace Corps volunteer supervisor, Doc Neth Penetrante, who shared life lessons learned from his experiences. His message emphasized the power of selflessness, the strength of community, and the significance of maintaining gratitude and perspective in the face of challenges. His acronym “BAYANI” (Value each member, Take care of one another, Embrace differences, Take united action, Never forget to smile, Dedicate oneself to the greater good) resonated with attendees, reinforcing the values of volunteer work.
The highlight of the conference was the Swearing-in Ceremony held on September 20, 2024, at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, where Rachel Davis, alongside other volunteers, took her oath, administered by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Marykay L. Carlson. This marked the formal beginning of Rachel’s two-year service with CCEF. Following the ceremony, Rachel and Marilou returned to Cebu, where Rachel was warmly welcomed by her host family, ready to embark on her role in supporting CCEF’s CRM efforts.
CCEF’s participation in the Peace Corps Work Partner’s Conference not only formalized Rachel Davis’ assignment but also strengthened the foundation’s ongoing collaboration with the Peace Corps, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. With Rachel’s presence, CCEF is poised to continue making significant strides in marine conservation and sustainable coastal management across its project sites.
