MANILA — The Human Development International Vanguard Corps for Peace and Development a volunteer organization ( www.humandevintl.com ) that is spearheading the Call to Save the Mountains of the World Initiative expresses sympathy to the family of Julia Campbell and the Peace Corps Volunteers for her untimely death.
Ian Jon Mendoza, the HDI Philippines Executive Coordinator said, that it is sad to hear that a fellow volunteer who has volunteered time, expertise and made sacrifices as well as risked her own life in uplifting the lives of the Filipino people and responding to help during calamities, – died in such circumstances that gave much reasons to believe that she was killed while hiking in the mountainous area where the famous rice terraces is located.
John Ryan Largo, HDI Founder/Chairperson who was a United Nations Volunteer in the 80s and a lifetime volunteer for peace, human development and the preservation of Mother Nature felt sad upon hearing the news. He said that volunteers regardless of nationality and organization are the living heroes of our times that must be given utmost courtesies, support and protection. He said that if it is proven that she was killed while hiking HDI deplores such act in the highest degree and that the culprit(s) must be caught and account of such action. It is also a wake up call for all local government units whose place are frequently visited for its historical and tourist significance that it has responsibility in securing safety of visitors. And for all people all to look at volunteers with great respect, gratefulness and extend whatever assistance to ensure their safety and performance of their task.
The Human Development International recognizes the remarkable contributions shared by Campbell for humanity and the environment and regard her demise a great loss in the volunteer effort.
The founder has close affinity with the Peace Corps Volunteers, the fact that most of his teachers in high school were Peace Corps Volunteers when the program started in the early 60s. He was the focal person designate for Mindanao during the celebration of the International Year Volunteerism in 2001 and one who believes on the importance of volunteerism in sustainable human development.
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