Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) are needed to serve as Ecotourism Development Planning Specialists for various municipalities. The Municipalities’ goal is to promote social justice, reflected in the improved general welfare of the people, equitable distribution of resources, and enhanced economic development while maintaining stability of the social system. In 2002, the LGUs have had a Comprehensive Ecotourism Development plans but they were not successfully implemented because the stakeholders were not included in their formulation. Also, there were no Tourism Offices in place that would carry out the implementation of each plan. The LGUs are painstakingly addressing the negative impacts of the lack of appropriate ecotourism management in the previous years. Each Municipal Tourism Council, through the Municipal Tourism Office, Municipal Agriculture Office and the other stakeholders, is now implementing conservation and preservation programs for the protection of the environment, wildlife and their habitat within the jurisdiction of the municipalities. The LGUs envision that the promotion of these protected areas as tourist destinations is essential to promote the municipalities as tourist destinations.

Ecotourism Development Planning Specialists, with at least two years working background in ecotourism project planning and implementation, are needed to help the municipalities with the review, enhancement and implementation of their Ecotourism Plans. Volunteers will conduct field visits and data gathering with targeted communities and stakeholders. The PCRVs will also conduct workshops, training and other related activities for the enhancement of the plan. In addition, the PCRVs will assist the municipality in outsourcing and funding activities from other agencies. The goal of this project is to develop enhanced comprehensive ecotourism development plans for each Municipal Tourism Council.

Please note these are approximate departure dates and may change.

Various Local Government Units (LGUs)

• Bachelors Degree in a tourism-related field; preferably with Masters degree in ecotourism or related field
• At least two (2) years working background in ecotourism project planning and implementation
• A team player who can work well with counterparts and the local communities
• Must have ability to work in multi-cultural setting
• Excellent people skills with demonstrated flexibility and patience

The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America’s diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Philippines may not be able to support Volunteers with the following medical conditions: insulin-dependent diabetes; ongoing counseling.
• The following medication(s) are not permitted for legal or cultural reasons: Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse.
• Volunteers who should avoid the following food(s) may not be able to serve: gluten, peanuts, and shellfish.
• After arrival in Philippines, Peace Corps provides and applicants are required to have an annual flu shot, to take daily or weekly medication to prevent malaria, and to receive mandatory immunizations.