27 young leaders to represent PHL in ASEAN, Japan exchange program

This year's delegates to the SSEAYP. Photo: Sakabyas

Twenty-seven youth leaders are set to represent the country as goodwill ambassadors in the 46th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) from October 23 to December 13, 2019.

The annual experiential and diplomatic cultural exchange program is offered to selected young leaders from Japan and ASEAN by the Japanese government and supported by the ASEAN's 10 member countries.

This year's Philippine contingent, called "Sakabyas," is set to spend 52 days on-board the luxurious cruise ship MS Nippon Maru, and will sail to ports of call in Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam.

Sakabyas is mainly composed of educators, communication experts, entrepreneurs and tourism officers aged 21 to 30 years old.

The delegation is headed by national leader Jamel Mamutuk, a municipal trial court judge from Iligan City; along with youth leader Mark Conrad Ravanzo from Region IX and assistant youth leader Franzes Ivy Carasi from Region I.

They are set to participate in a wide range of activities including discussions on pressing issues, cultural introductions, club activities, institutional visits, home-stay experience and community service.

The National Youth Commission under the Office of the President and SSEAYP International Philippines take charge of the program in the Philippines. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News