Two faculty members from the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) took part in key preparatory activities facilitated by the U.S. Peace Corps Philippines ahead of the arrival of two Peace Corps Volunteers at the university’s campuses.
Ms. Raquel Conel, faculty of CBSUA Laboratory High School–Pili Campus, and Ms. Mary Rose A. Combate, faculty of CBSUA–Calabanga Campus, represented the university at the Peace Corps Work Partners Conference held from September 21 to 25, 2025 in San Mateo, Rizal. The annual conference, organized by the U.S. Peace Corps Philippines, equips host institutions with a deeper understanding of Peace Corps programs, policies, and procedures, and fosters collaboration between Volunteers and their local partners.
As part of these activities, Ms. Conel, Ms. Combate, and Dr. Cherry Love B. Montales, Work Partner Supervisor of CBSUA, attended the Swearing-In Ceremony of Peace Corps Philippines’ Batch 282 on September 24, 2025 at the Charles Parsons Ballroom, Chancery Building, U.S. Embassy Manila. The ceremony, also facilitated by the U.S. Peace Corps Philippines, marked the official start of service for the incoming Volunteers.
The event included welcome remarks from Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy, the introduction of new Volunteers, and the administration of the Peace Corps pledge and oath. Musical numbers and audiovisual presentations highlighted the Volunteers’ pre-service training, while remarks from U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Y. Robert Ewing and PNVSCA Executive Director Mr. Donald James B. Gawe underscored the strong partnership between the Philippines and the U.S. Peace Corps.
Among the new Volunteers sworn in were Mr. Drew Raskin, who will be assigned to CBSUA Pili Campus, and Ms. Annabella Nelson, who will be assigned to CBSUA–Calabanga Campus.
CBSUA’s active participation in the Work Partners Conference and Swearing-In Ceremony highlights the university’s readiness to welcome the Volunteers and its continued commitment to building meaningful partnerships with the U.S. Peace Corps Philippines. The Volunteers will work alongside CBSUA faculty and students over the next two years, implementing education and extension initiatives while fostering intercultural understanding.
With the successful completion of these preparatory activities, CBSUA is ready to welcome the Volunteers, who will spend the next two years working alongside faculty, students, and communities to implement educational and extension initiatives.
CBSUA’s participation in the Work Partners Conference and Swearing-In Ceremony shows the university’s dedication to working closely with US Peace Corps and giving its community more chances for international collaboration and intercultural learning. |𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘋𝘳. 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴
