ELEVEN young Filipino individuals will be representing the country at the upcoming 47th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) in Tokyo, Japan.
The National Youth Commission (NYC) unveiled on Facebook the names of Youth Ambassadors of Goodwill who will be joining the international cultural exchange program, which will be held from November 29 to December 8, 2023.
The list includes Verna Abby Catusalem, Raymark Estael, Aldrine Anzures, Brian Jason Delos Santos, Justine Agelica Orbe, Leyden Sta. Isabel, Kingsley De Los Santos, Wilfred Paller, Abdulfarid Guinomlam, and Hilton Soberano.
The program marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship. It aims to celebrate cultural diversity and camaraderie.
The Pinoy team will be led by Jogepons Ruloma as its national leader. Ruloma is a registered environmental planner, a licensed teacher, and a current municipal local government operations officer in Bohol.
“These outstanding Filipinos are about to engage an unforgettable journey, weaving the rich fabric of Filipino culture and our nation’s hospitality into their sails,” the NYC said.
“With every exchange, smile, and conversation, they’ll bridge gaps, build bridges, and forge lifelong connections with fellow youth from across Southeast Asia and Japan,’ it added.
These youth leaders are expected to participate in a variety of events such as immersion programs, cultural presentations, field studies, collaborative discussions, courtesy visits, and anniversary reception.
The program is supported by other ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
With reports from Sherwin Harina
