Meet the Ilocana Youth Ambassador to the 45th SSEAYP

She writes on weekdays and volunteers on weekends. She crafts news stories for a living on working days and saves humanity on environmental efforts on her free days.

For the coming days, Ma. Christian Ramos will leave her writer post in Ilocos Norte and will serve as the Philippines’ representative in the 45th Ship for South East Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSYEAP).

“I did not expect to secure a slot in the program. I am thankful that I got in, on my first attempt to apply,” Ramos shared.

SSYEAP, through the National Youth Commission, convenes delegates all over the country to embark on a goodwill cruise to selected ASEAN countries for port-of-call activities.

”SSEAYP was introduced to me by a friend. After that, he encouraged me to try applying,” she said.

Annually, the SSEAYP boards delegates choose from young leaders in the ASEAN communities and Japan to promote goodwill, friendship, and mutual agreement.

Part of the journey includes visiting Japan, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam for discussion groups and local interactions to strengthen friendship ties.

Ramos will be performing as part of the national contingent in the meeting of heads of states, ambassadors, and other officials during the institutional visits.

Last month, Ramos also attended the pre-departure training for the Philippine delegates in preparation for the activities of the program.

“Among the lectures during the pre-departure training, I’m enthusiastic about the communication talks. As a writer, I have been immersed in the communication industry and this will be one of my contributions during the program,” Ramos said.

Presently, Ramos is a writer at the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte- Communications and Media Office that promotes the programs and services of the provincial government through information dissemination down to the grassroots level.

She is one of the “empowered” communicators in the National Information Convention, hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Because of her experiences in the communication industry and volunteerism, she was chosen as a delegate of the SSEAYP.

“All of these helped me boost my confidence. These programs pushed me beyond my comfort zone and with that, I am much thankful,” she added.

Ramos shared that a local youth program is in the works as part of the advocacy of the Philippine contingents.

She also encouraged every young local to participate in all programs that involves civic engagement and personal development that contribute to nation-building.

“You can be an advocate of anything. If you care for the environment, then go to any environment groups. Do not limit yourself,” Ramos said.

This September, she will bid farewell to her post as a writer in preparation for her new role as an Ambassador of Goodwill- championing the cause of the Filipino youth. (JNDP/MJTAB PIA1-ILOCOS NORTE)