NYC to the 44th SSEAYP

Another year has come to those who are spirited leaders in Southeast Asian Countries. The National Youth Commission (NYC) of the Philippines launched the 44th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) in April 2017.

Spearheaded by the government of Japan, the SSEAYP is an annual cultural youth exchange program between the youth of ASEAN member states to promote peace, solidarity, cooperation and mutual understanding in the region.

The program is facilitating the participation of 28 young leaders from the 17 regions of the country and an adult National Leader to participate in this year’s program.

In Central Visayas region, the DSWD together with the National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program International Philippines (SIP) conducted an interview with the five (5) SSEAYP participating youths (PY) from the province of Bohol and Negros Oriental.

The program requires having at least 18-24 years old with the following qualifications: sense of leadership, communication skills, resiliency, team building, conflict management and community involvement.

The top three (3) PYs will represent region 7.

The participants shall serve as “Ambassadors of Goodwill” of the Philippines after undergoing a rigorous selection process.

The selected participants will cruise around 5 ASEAN states and Japan aboard MS Nippon Maru for 55 days.

The Regional Director of DSWD-7, Dir. Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre expressed her words to the participants, “I have been so blessed to have joined the program twenty-three years ago as National Leader for 45 Participating Youths (PYs) from our country. Pictures of our visits to other ASEAN countries and to Japan, may have faded but the brotherhood and network we have established have grown stronger over the years. To the three (3) Philippines’ Participating Youths (PYs) from Region 7, my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. A few months from now, you will undergo a pre-departure training. Start to build your trust with each other during this time because when you are onboard Nippon Maru, you will definitely need to support each one, especially when home sickness strikes you. As a National Leader, I would like to remind you that you are now country’s Ambassadors of Goodwill. Make the most of this opportunity to represent the country with pride. Learn as much as you can from the success of our neighboring countries. Remember too, that it is your duty to bring honor and respect to the Filipino people and to our beloved country.”