The Philippine contingent for the 43rd Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) joined a pre-departure orientation held by the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the National Youth Commission (NYC) on October 13, 2016.
The pre-departure orientation was officially opened by Minister Hiroyuki Uchida, Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Japan, who congratulated SSEAYP’s continuous and long-running efforts in bringing Japan and Southeast Asian countries closer. Mr. Nielex Tupas, Chief Operating Officer of the NYC, urged the participants to be proud of their heritage and give back to their country during his remarks. SSEAYP Batch Dilaab representative and Youth Leader Fiona Aytona then provided a review of the various training workshops that she and her fellow delegates participated in. Following a lecture on Japanese culture and customs and an open forum, Atty. Kahlil Lamigo imparted words of inspiration and encouragement to the Philippine delegation. Finally, the program was brought to a close by JICC Director Tatsuo Kitagawa, who highlighted SSEAYP’s vision and reminded the delegates to uphold the program’s legacy and advocacy.
In its 43rd year, SSEAYP has strengthened goodwill and cooperation among the young people of Japan and Southeast Asia through programs and activities that promote camaraderie and cultural exchange. 28 delegates from various regions in the Philippines will join representatives from 10 ASEAN Countries and Japan in a 50-day tour with stops in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.
SSEAYP is spearheaded by the Government of Japan in cooperation with the governments of the ASEAN member states. It is part of the roster of exchange programs sponsored by the Japanese Government, which also includes the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) and the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
The Philippine contingent is set to commence their voyage on October 25, 2016 first to Japan and then to locations in Southeast Asia until the conclusion of their program on December 14, 2016. The implementation, screening, and selection process for SSEAYP in the Philippines are conducted in partnership with the National Youth Commission.
To date, more than 1,000 youths have participated in the SSEAYP from the Philippines.
Interested applicants may also check the website of the Cabinet Office (http://www8.cao.go.jp/youth/kouryu/en/sseayp/sseayp.html ) for more information.
(from Embassy of Japan)