27 young leaders to represent PH in Asean, Japan exchange program

TWENTY-SEVEN of the country’s finest youth leaders from all the regions are set to represent the Philippines as Ambassadors of Goodwill in the 46^th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).

The program is a diplomatic-cultural event that brings together more than 300 youths from ASEAN member states and Japan.

This year’s Philippine Contingent introduces the name “Sakabyas” – a Maguindanaon term which means unique new faces grounded on diverse aspirations united toward voluntary initiatives and advocacies in their own fields. Batch Sakabyas is composed mainly of educators, communication experts, entrepreneurs and tourism officers whose age ranges from 21-30 years old.

The participating youth delegates will undergo activities designed to widen their international perspectives. Discussions on pressing issues, cultural introductions, club activities, institutional visits, home-stay experience and community service are among the activities they’ll be into for 52 days on-board.

Heading the delegation this year is Jamel T. Mamutuk (National Leader), a Municipal Trial Court Judge from Iligan City, with Mark Conrad R. Ravanzo (Region 9) and Franzes Ivy U. Carasi (Region 1) as the Youth Leader and Assistant Youth Leader respectively.

Batch Sakabyas is set to sail on-board the luxurious cruise ship MS Nippon Maru on October 23- December 13 which will tour Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

Organized annually through the sponsorship of the Japanese Government, SSEAYPis supported by the ASEAN member states. In the Philippines, the National Youth Commission under the Office of the President and SSEAYP International Philippines take charge of the program.

The Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) is a premiere annual international, experiential and diplomatic cultural exchange program offered for few selected young leaders from Japan and ASEAN by the Japanese Government and supported by the ten-member countries of the ASEAN, including the Philippines. This year, SSEAYP 2019 will sail from 23 Oct – 13 Dec 2019 to ports of call in Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam.

Batch Sakabyas is a mix of young professionals with different talents, causes to advance and stories to tell. This batch unites as one to bring pride and honor as Ambassadors of Goodwill representing the Republic of the Philippines.