Head of Chancery Minister Setsuo Ohmori, JICC Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi, Researcher/Advisor Shinichiro Kato, NYC Executive Director Shierwin Taay, SIP president Ms. Leah Florentino, secretary of the board Ms. Zenaida Cruz-Rico, and the delegates of the 40th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP)
NYC Executive Director Shierwin Taay Greets delegates
SIP President Ms. Leah Florentino shares her insights
Head of Chancery Minister Setsuo Ohmori gives his message to the SSEAYP delegates
SSEAYP National Leader Hon. Ariel S. Arceo and fellow delegates present Min. Ohmori with a certificate of appreciation
The Embassy of Japan, through the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) held a pre-departure orientation for the 28 Filipino youth goodwill ambassadors of the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) at the JICC Hall on October 16, 2013.
Head of Chancery Minister Setsuo Ohmori delivered a speech to hearten the participants as they start their adventure, while the JICC, led by Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi and Researcher/Advisor Shinichiro Kato facilitated the program. To prepare them for their voyage, delegates were instructed on the basics of Japanese customs and manners, ranging from etiquette to eating, and given an overview on the finer points of Japanese culture.
National Youth Commission Executive Director Shierwin Taay gave the welcoming remarks, sharing puns and reminding the youth ambassadors to be participative, have a sense of humor, and to enjoy themselves. Former delegates, now among the members of SSEAYP International Philippines (SIP), namely the president, Ms. Leah Florentino, and Ms.Zenaida Cruz-Rico, secretary of the board, also recounted their experiences through anecdotes.
The 28 delegates representing the different regions of the Philippines, headed by National Leader Hon. Ariel S. Arceo, will join youths from Japan and ASEAN countries on a 51 day tour around Japan and ASEAN countries on the MS Nippon Maru. They will pay courtesy calls to dignitaries at each port of call, closely studying the different cultures and engaging in social community activities, as well as cultural exchange with host families. Manila, Philippines, will be the 5th port of call, from December 6 to 9, 2013.
SSEAYP, celebrating its 40th year, was institutionalized in 1974 as a collaborative effort between Japan and ASEAN countries to espouse mutual values of cultural understanding and international ties. The 40th batch of SSEAYP also marks the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship, commemorating a long history of solidarity and harmony within the region. SSEAYP is organized by the Government of Japan in close cooperation with ASEAN countries, through the Embassy of Japan, in coordination with the National Youth Commission (NYC).
The Government of Japan endeavors to raise awareness and develop closer bonds through SSEAYP, in the spirit of continued amity. It is the hope of the program to narrow the seas, and break barriers, while broadening horizons of youth delegates, and spreading goodwill amongst Japan and ASEAN countries.
|
