NYC Welcomes Youth Delegates from Southeast Asia and Japan

The National Youth Commission welcomes more than 300 youth delegates to the 31 st Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program today as the luxury ship, Nippon Maru, docks at Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila for the 4-day Philippine Country Program.

During their visit in the Philippines, the NYC has prepared several activities for the delegates including welcome ceremonies at the Manila Pavilion Hotel, wherein delegates will showcase a cultural performance per contingent to guests from foreign embassies, local partners and government officials.

According to NYC Chairman Bam Aquino, “we believe that this effort of the NYC and our inter-agency partners of showing the culture and heritage of the Filipino to the youths of Southeast Asia and Japan is very important in creating a bond of understanding among the young people of our region.”

The country will showcase some institutions to be visited by the delegates for them to know more about several areas of Philippine culture. These institutions include: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Intramuros, ABS-CBN, University of Sto. Tomas, House of Representatives, GMA 7, Golden Acres, Reception and Study Center for Children, Senate of the Philippines, Supreme Court and the Center for Pop Music.

The SSEAYP is a cultural exchange program aiming to foster friendship and understanding among the youth leaders of Southeast Asia and Japan by living together for around two months in a ship while interacting through solid group activities, discussions, exhibits, cultural presentations and other activities. During their visits to the countries mentioned, the delegates will have a chance to interact with the local youth, and educational visits to relevant institutions. Each host country also prepares a homestay program for the delegates.

After visiting Manila, the Nippon Maru will sail for Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

In the Philippines, the NYC selects the delegates to the program and prepares the four-day country program with the help of program partners. This year, the program sponsors include: the Department of Tourism, UNILAB, Development Bank of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Caltex Philippines, Jollibee Food Corporation, Philippine Tourism Authority, Ayala Corporation, SM Foundation, PHILHEALTH, GSIS, Mitsubishi Motors, Philippines, Nestle Phils., Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and Rep. Connie Dy.

Comm. Araceli Aves, NYC Commissioner representing Visayas leads the SSEAYP National Organizing Committee for the second year now.