Interview with Janina Marie Fuller, October 6, 2022

Interview Summary

Janina Fuller served in the Philippines, 1978-1980. Training was in American Samoa (sanitation and hydrology) and a community north of Manila (where the Ilocano language was taught by the “silent method”). She was supervised by a rural health unit midwife in Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte. Their relationship was challenging, but improved, as did her language skills, once Janina moved from the midwife’s house in a neighboring barrio and made her own acquaintances in Dumalneg proper. At the midwife’s urging, Janina became queen of the town’s fiesta! After becoming “adopted” by Dumalneg’s Barrio Captain, Janina partnered with the Bureau of Public Works in two water projects: an irrigation canal and capping of a spring to enhance water quality. Following Janina’s departure, a larger canal was built which doubled the village’s food production, in turn improving child nutrition. Janina says PC made her a world citizen and more compassionate, connected, patient and curious.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Philippines (Country of service) 1978-1980 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Health Philippines Peace Corps (U.S.)--1970-1980 Peace Corps (U.S.)—Management Peace Corps (U.S.) – Training (language) English Ilocana Isneg language Peace Corps-related medical issues

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