Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya received a courtesy call from the 49th batch of Filipino Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) delegates on November 24 at the Embassy of Japan.
SSEAYP is a Japanese government youth exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Southeast Asia. Through community building efforts and youth participation, this year’s batch of Filipino delegates become part of the program’s legacy of cultivating youth ambassadors for peace and international cooperation.
Naming themselves “Bagani” after leaders in traditional Filipino tribes, this year’s contingent is composed of 17 Filipino youth delegates from different regions across the country. They seek to embody the wisdom, courage, and leadership skills of Baganis, as they accept the honor of representing the Philippines to forge stronger ties and engage in community-building activities in Japan, Singapore, and Thailand.
Ambassador Endo referred to the Bagani batch as modern heroes who will sustain the enduring commitment and friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
Encouraging the delegates to engage in dialogues and actively connect with one another, the Ambassador stressed, “SSEAYP is a program that aims to build a better understanding among ASEAN’s youth; one rooted in culture, community, and leadership. From this understanding, vibrant ties can emerge that bind the region closer, lasting threads born from the friendships that you’ll make.”
In response, the delegation’s national leader Metodio Maraguinot Jr. spoke on behalf of the 49th batch and expressed their collective aspirations of utilizing their SSEAYP experience in building stronger bridges of friendship between the Philippines, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
National Youth Commission (NYC) Assistant Secretary and Commissioner-at-Large Michelle Mae Gonzales, and Social Marketing Division Chief Cristabeth Madrigal were also present.
