AN ARTLETS alumnus is among the three UST graduates who are representing the Philippines in a cultural exchange program with youth participants from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
According to the SSEAYP (Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program) Facebook page, Riel John Araracap from Asian Studies, Zion Enrico Licup from Architecture and Kaiser Del Valle from Nursing are part of the 49th SSEAYP under “Batch Bagani,” the country’s roster of delegates.
“The Philippine contingent will engage in a month-long cultural exchange with contingents from all 10 ASEAN countries and Japan, including Timor-Leste, and embark on a voyage aboard the Nippon Maru, docking in Singapore, Thailand, and Japan,” the SSEAYP said in a post on Oct. 16.
Bagani is a term used by indigenous peoples of Mindanao, which the delegates refer to as the protectors of communities, advocacies and core values.
Through the National Youth Commission, the country sent off 17 young leaders from different regions for the SSEAYP on Jan. 15, a day after the send-off briefing and pinning ceremony.
The program offers immersive experiences and exchanges, including field studies, group discussions, local activities in Japan and celebrations of the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
It also aims to build connections among the youth and nurture them in addressing global challenges.
On Jan. 23, Batch Bagani, led by national leader Metodio Maraguinot Jr., showcased Philippine culture, cuisine, tourist sites and the country’s ASEAN chairmanship priorities in an exhibit with the theme “Navigating the Future, Together.”
After moving to online and hybrid formats during the pandemic, this year’s SSEAYP returns to full in-person participation, running from Jan. 15 to Feb. 17.
The month-long event covers themes of quality education, economic growth, tourism, climate change and environmental issues, disaster risk reduction, social welfare and the impact of the digital landscape and artificial intelligence.
The SSEAYP delegates will be en route to Singapore and Thailand, following a stay in Japan, and will be partaking in onboard and port of call activities, such as courtesy visits, homestays and peer-learning seminars.
Launched in 1974, SSEAYP is a youth exchange initiative by the Japanese government aimed at strengthening ties between Japan and Southeast Asian countries. F
