Minister Kato (center) receives a token of appreciation from National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairman Leon Flores III (left) and NYC Commissioners |
Minister Kato(center, seated) with NYC Commissioner Leon Flores III (4th from left, seated) and JICC Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi (3rd from right, seated) joins the youth leaders for a photo-op |
The Embassy of Japan conducted a pre-departure orientation on July 27, 2011 to twenty-eight (28) Filipino youth leaders, along with their national leader, who will take part in the 38 th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP).
During the pre-departure orientation, Deputy Chief of Mission Minister Motohiko Kato gave encouraging words to the youth leaders. Former SSEAYP participants also shared their memorable experiences about the program to this year's delegates. The young leaders were also given an introduction to Japanese culture specifically on social practices and simple greetings.
The twenty-eight youth leaders who come from diverse backgrounds and representing various regions of the Philippines, will be Japan-bound on October 25 to be part of the 330 participating youths from Japan and ASEAN-member countries who will come aboard the Japanese cruise ship “MS Fuji Maru” for a scheduled 53-day cruise from October 25, 2011 to December 16, 2011 to various port of calls in Japan and ASEAN countries.
This year, the first port of call of the “MS Fuji Maru” will be Manila. The ship will be berthing in Manila on November 10, 2011 and will depart for its next port of call on November 13.
In each port of call, the youth leaders will take part in country programs such as studying the various aspects of the countries they will visit, pay courtesy calls to dignitaries, visit various institutions for the purpose of exchange programs with local people, community service and home stay. En route to the planned ports of calls, discussions on relevant and pressing social and youth issues, solidarity group activities and cultural introductions keep the youth leaders inspired, in high spirits and enthusiastic.
SSEAYP, now on its 37th year, has been implemented annually since January 1974 as the joint program among Japan and ASEAN countries to promote friendship and mutual awareness among the Japanese and Southeast Asian youth. The program is sponsored and carried out by the Government of Japan with the active participation and cooperation of Southeast Asian countries namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In the Philippines, the Embassy of Japan coordinates with the National Youth Commission (NYC) for the implementation of the program.
