28 young leaders to represent PH in cultural exchange program

The Philippine Contingent is composed of: Na Neil Joaz Lagundino (Region I); Lloyd Alexander Adducul (Region II); Jonathan De Quiroz, Roy Joseph Roberto and Gracelyn Simon (Region III); Maxine Erica Mamaril and Archer Urbano (Region IV-A); Alexa Jeanne Lasch (Region IV-B); Ryan Banaria and Sherry Mae Romero (Region V); Mikle Vito Abing (Region VII); Dolly Valerie Bertfulo, Wilhelm Wade Eusores and Edilyn Lopez (Region VII); Mary Rose Andrada (Region IX); Lucille Therese Marcera (Region X); Ivy Delos Santos and Reymond Pepito (Re-gion XI); Melissa Gabrielle Vargas and John Oliver Tablazon (Region XII); Hammim Casan and Rohani-sa Fahmi (ARMM); Muller Bato and Marie Frances Paleng (CAR); Jundey Brier (Caraga); and Fatimah Jasmeen Alih, Anacelle Rosario Bautista, and Aaron Tolentino (NCR).

Twenty-eight young leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will represent the Philippines as “youth ambassadors of goodwill” in the 42nd Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) in October.

“This year’s Philippine contingent brings the name ‘Saligan’ inspired by the value of trust grounded on united aspirations to showcase what it means to be a Filipino while building friendships and exchanging ideas with other nationalities,” SSEAYP said in a statement.

The annual diplomatic cultural affair is expected to gather more than 300 youths from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Japan. SSEAYP is sponsored by the Japanese government.

For 51 days, the youth ambassadors will participate in discussions on pressing social issues and activities that will widen their international perspective such as cultural introductions, institutional visits, and community service, among others.

This year’s Philippine contingent is headed by renowned theater director and University of the Philippines-Iloilo professor Alfredo Diaz.

“The batch Saligan is set to start their journey through the luxurious and historical cruise, Nippon Maru, on Oct. 26 visiting Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar and Malaysia. The Philippines is one of the five countries to host this year’s SSEAYP,” the statement added. YG