From Kuya Ambet Yangco (PC Philippines CYF PM) and Kuya Boni Bucol Jr. (PC Philippines Training Manager) regarding the life and legacy of former PC Philippines Safety and Security Manager, Kuya John Borja.

"It is with profound sadness to let you all know that Kuya John Borja, a beloved husband, father, mentor, and to most, an integral part of your time as a volunteer in the Philippines, passed away on March 6, 2023. Kuya John was diagnosed with Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) in October of 2022, a rare type of cancer that affects connective tissues and causes fast growth of cells in the arms and legs. The fast progression of his disease caused a rapid decline in Kuya John’s health resulting in a lot of pain, weakness, long hospital confinement, and surgery to remove a cyst that turned out to be malignant. Though his medical team, friends, and family were ready to fight with Kuya John, he sadly lost his fight to cancer in the early mornings of March 6th.

For decades, Kuya John dedicated his life to helping more than 2000 Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines. He served as a Language Trainer, as a Project Director, and much more recently, as a cool, calm, and collected Safety and Security Manager until his retirement three years ago. He brought in, trained, and mentored other Peace Corps Staff. He was there and can tell you stories about Peace Corps Philippines in the 80s and 90s, he was there when Peace Corps Volunteers were in Mindanao, he was the one who worked for 24 hours straight to help find a missing volunteer, he was there to rescue volunteers stranded in Leyte after Super Typhoon Haiyan. He was there to give his all to the volunteers like he said he would. Kuya John is in the DNA of Peace Corps Philippines.

As much as he loved the Peace Corps though, his love for his family is incomparable. Kuya John loved his family so much. He was present and accessible to his daughters, Regina and Kristina, he was in love and ever caring to his wife, ate Arcie. He is a father and a husband to be aspired by. He was willing to give his all to his and the well-being of his family. These past couple of weeks, amid his tough battle with MFS, he expressed his true concern. He was concerned about how this devastating disease was going to affect them when he was gone, emotionally of course, but also financially. The cost of his operation, medicine, hospital visits and stays, check-ups and more have depleted the family’s resources. A sad reality most of us are aware of and scared of.

Though Kuya John’s diagnosis and passing might come as a surprise to most of you, his friends and family have been in this fight with him since day one. They looked out for him and each other. We are now asking your kind hearts to join us in honoring Kuya John’s profound legacy full of love and care by asking you for any contribution that you can spare to ensure that he doesn’t have to worry about his family in the next life. We truly believe we can have an impact on Kuya John’s legacy by making sure we look out for his beloved family the way he looked out and touched every single one of us and our lives. Thank you all so much in advance for anything you can give.