The NYC will choose twenty-eight (28) Filipino youth representatives to the program that will be held in ten ASEAN countries and Japan.

SSEAYP is a youth cultural exchange program sponsored by the Japanese Government in cooperation with the ASEAN members. Delegates will visit the participating countries and get involved in various activities such as educational tours, interaction with local youth, courtesy calls, and homestay.

Qualified delegates must be 18 to 30 years old, single, has good moral character, active officer/member of youth organization, physically and mentally fit, preferably a first-time traveler, must not have received an NYC-funded international travel, has strong background of history, geography, culture, and current events in the Philippines and ASEAN, and must be a resident of the region represented for at least one year.

The NYC is also in search of a National Leader who must be 31 years old or above, a government employee or official, physically and mentally fit to travel, of good moral character and knowledgeable in ASEAN and international concerns. Experience in youth-related affairs will be an advantage. The National Leader will serve as government representative in the program.

Application requirements for National Leader:

1. Application letter addressed to Atty. Mabel Villarica-Mamba, NYC Chairperson and CEO;
2. Resumè (5 sets)
3. passport-sized photo (5 pieces)
4. endorsement letter from head of agency / office

Interested parties may visit the NYC website (youth.net.ph) to obtain application forms and the list of application requirements. Only complete requirements will be entertained.

SSEAYP 2002 Secretariat contact nos.: 0918-9226468 and 0919-2330279

In a position paper, the NYC said that the decision defeats the purpose of the SK because those 15 to 17-year olds who will be elected into office are not yet of legal age and therefore do not have the legal personality to sign official documents or enter into contracts.

"If this happens, the SK will not be able to perform its role as mandated by law because it cannot undertake any official act", said Atty. Mabel Villarica-Mamba, NYC Chairperson and CEO.

The NYC added that the Local Government Code provides that the Sangguniang Kabataan shall be composed of 15 to 21 year old youths. The bicameral committee's decision effectively disenfranchises those 18 to 21 years old that make up half of the SK voting population.

The Youth Commission also said that the holding of the elections in July is untimely because by then students are in school and won't have time to return to their provinces to vote. Holding the elections this July also may not allow the special registration of youth voters because the Omnibus Election Code prohibits registration 130 days before the elections.

The NYC has petitioned for a special registration of youth voters following a low turnout of registrants during the December 2001 SK registration. Only 1.5 million or 15% has registered out of the ten million 15 to 21-year olds in the country. Only 72 out of 78 provinces have submitted their list of youth voters. Six (6) provinces are reported to have no youth registrants.

"The decision of the bicameral conference committee did not address any problem as far as the SK election is concerned. To some extent, it made matters worse," Mamba said.

To qualify, one must be 15 to 30 years old, Filipino citizen, of good moral character, must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, must not have been a member of the previous Youth Parliaments, and must be a resident, student, employee, officer or member of the place, institution or organization he/she would represent.

The Parliament will be held in Cagayan de Oro City on December 5 to 8, 2002. During the three-day session, the delegates will be formulating resolutions that would address youth issues and promote youth rights, welfare and participation in national development. These resolutions will be submitted to Congress and Malacañang to serve as government's guide in policy formulation, program development and prioritization.

NYC Chairperson Mabel Villarica-Mamba said, "I encourage our youth to participate in the National Youth Parliament because it is the best forum where they could ventilate issues and articulate their aspirations. Their output will guide the government in taking actions towards promoting the youth's well-being."

The Youth Parliament is held every two years as provided for by Republic Act 8044. Selection of delegates is based on the principle of equal geographical and gender representation.

To obtain application forms and list of requirements, interested parties may visit the NYC website (youth.net.ph) or call 781-2386 local 122.

Public Affairs Unit (PAU) " Feb-2002 " f.e.s

SSEAYP is a youth cultural exchange program sponsored by the Japanese Government in cooperation with the ASEAN members. Delegates will visit the participating countries and get involved in various activities such as educational tours, interaction with local youth, courtesy calls, and homestay.

Qualified delegates must be 18 to 30 years old, single, has good moral character, active officer/member of youth organization, physically and mentally fit, preferably a first-time traveler, must not have received an NYC-funded international travel, has strong background of history, geography, culture, and current events in the Philippines and ASEAN, and must be a resident of the region represented for at least one year.

The NYC is also in search of a National Leader who must be 31 years old or above, a government employee or official, physically and mentally fit to travel, of good moral character and knowledgeable in ASEAN and international concerns. Experience in youth-related affairs will be an advantage. The National Leader will serve as government representative in the program.

Interested parties may visit the NYC website (youth.net.ph) to obtain application forms and the list of application requirements. Only complete requirements will be entertained. Deadline for application is on March 27, 2002.

Public Affairs Unit (PAU) " Feb-2002 " f.e.s

The compendium serves as directory for the youth who are in search of scholarships, skills trainings, employment and livelihood, competitions, awards, and legal protection. Other areas covered in the volume include arts, culture and media, education, science and technology, environment, health, leadership and governance, rights and welfare, sports and physical fitness, and women.

NYC Chairperson Mabel Villarica-Mamba said, "The Youth Doors is a source book of opportunities that addresses the youth's need for information, particularly, on where can they find help for their various concerns. This publication is a step towards the realization of NYC's thrust to serve as data bank of youth information and lead in youth policy and research. This directory also shows that the government has a lot to offer our youth so they would be better equipped for their role as partners in nation-building."

Public Affairs Unit (PAU) " Feb-2002 " f.e.s