Batch Sakabyas to represent the country in the 46th SSEAYP

The country’s finest youth leaders from all the regions are set to represent the Philippines as Ambassadors of Goodwill in the 46th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP). The program is a diplomatic-cultural event that brings together more than 300 youths from ASEAN member states and Japan.

This year’s Philippine contingent introduces the name “Sakabyas” – a Maguindanaon term which means unique new faces grounded on diverse aspirations united toward voluntary initiatives and advocacies in their own fields. Batch Sakabyas is composed mainly of educators, communication experts, entrepreneurs and tourism officers whose ages range from 21 to 30 years old.

The participating youth delegates will undergo activities designed to widen their international perspectives. Discusstaircase sions on pressing issues, cultural introductions, club activities, institutional visits, home-stay experience and community service are among the activities they’ll be into for 52 days on-board.

Heading the Philippine delegation of 27 this year is Jamel Mamutuk (national leader), a municipal trial court judge from Iligan City, with Mark Conrad Ravanzo (Region 9) and Franzes Ivy Carasi (Region 1) as the youth leader and assistant youth leader respectively.

Batch Sakabyas is set to sail on-board the luxurious cruise ship MS Nippon Maru from Oct. 23 to Dec. 13 which will tour Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

Organized annually through the sponsorship of the Japanese Government, SSEAYP is supported by the ASEAN member states.