During the last 50 years, USAID assistance has helped communities throughout the Philippines to reduce maternal and child mortality, foster good governance and rule of law, increase economic opportunities, protect the environment, improve access to basic education, strengthen peace in conflict-affected Mindanao, and recover from natural disasters.
 
On November 3, 2011, USAID and Peace Corps held a joint commemorative formal reception with the theme “50 Years of Partnership for Peace and Development.” The reception recognized these major accomplishments and to honor the people and organizations that have made these partnerships flourish in the Philippines. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr., Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) Gregory Beck and Government of the Philippines Secretary of Socio Economic Planning and National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. were the keynote speakers for the event. 
 
On November 4, 2011, an all-day program of a joint USAID and Peace Corps exhibition at the SM Mall of Asia took place to celebrate their joint Anniversary. U.S. and Philippine partners, beneficiaries, and current and former employees and volunteers came together to take pride in the achievements that have been accomplished over the last 50 years. It was also an opportunity for the public to learn about USAID and Peace Corps’ current programs in a fun and interactive forum. The event was led by Ambassador Thomas, Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams, DAA Gregory Beck and Government of the Philippines Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC. The exhibit showcased, thru photo galleries and exhibit booths, USAID and Peace Corps’ milestones in various sectors including economic growth, democracy and governance, health, education, energy, and environment. GMA network artists, youth groups and local artists all added their talent to the stage and interactive floor programs in order to share the commemorative spirit in the Exhibit. The festive event ended with an energetic flash mob dance performed by Peace Corps Volunteers, USAID staff and their friends and families!
 

Ambassador Thomas, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Gregory Beck and USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele present tokens of appreciation to Philippine Artists Kuh Ledesma and Kris Lawrence for their participation in the USAID and Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Reception held on November 3, 2011.

L-R: On November 4, 2011, Peace Corps Director, Aaron Williams; Ambassador Harry K. Thomas; Philippine Department of Education Secretary, Br. Armin Luistro; and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, Gregory Beck opened the USAID and Peace Corps Exhibition that jointly commemorated their 50th anniversary in the Philippines this year with the theme: Fifty Years of Partnership for Peace and Development.