Interview with Don Beck, September 22, 2021

Interview Summary

Don Beck served in the Philippines, 1978-1981, in healthcare and as a trainer. After arriving in Manila, Don’s group went to Dagupan for training. There volunteers studied the regional language Llocano. Don’s permanent site was in Piat. Because he wanted an authentic experience, he moved out of his wealthy host family’s home and built a grass hut in a neighboring barrio. His Piat workplace was a health unit where half the week he assisted a doctor in children and infant care. During the remainder of the week Don worked with a priest and two social worker organizers creating community health programs to help villagers with sanitation, nutrition, gardening, etc. Don identified one accomplishment as encouraging his host brother to stay in the community to provide medical services. He loved the Philippines from the “get go”. He appreciated its culture-- music, dancing, food and focus on a sense of community.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Philippines (Country of service) 1978-1981 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Health Philippines Peace Corps (U.S.)--1970-1980 Peace Corps (U.S.)--1980-1990 Peace Corps staff English (language) Language training Training USAID

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