Domingo, Balderas represent CAR in 44th SSEAYP

By the Batch Bulawan Secretariat - The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is represented by Ephraim V. Domingo and Stephanie Balderas in this year’s Philippine Contingent to the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP), a cultural and youth exchange program sponsored by the Government of Japan and implemented by the National Youth Commission (NYC) in the Philippines.

Both Ephraim and Stephanie were confirmed on July 12 after a 9-day pre-departure training at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City by Usec. Cariza “Aiza” Seguerra, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of NYC. During the ceremonies, both presented a Bontoc courtship dance as a part of the contingent’s National Day Presentation.

Ephraim, a native of Ifugao and currently residing in Baguio City, is an English and literature instructor at Saint Louis University. He is also an active member of the OSCAR Alumni Community, Inc. and the founder of the Ibangngad Project that currently supports a public elementary school in Ifugao. An advocate of quality rural education, he believes that they key to development in the rural communities is a kind of education that is anchored on quality instruction, dedication, and innovation.

On the other hand, Stephanie is a researcher for a government agency. She has a degree in Social Science from the University of the Philippines Baguio and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in ASEAN Studies from the UP Open University. She is also an advocate of peace and stability, and ASEAN identity, and an active member of her church.

Both Ephraim and Stephanie are joining 25 other youth delegates from the other regions of the country. Together, they will be embarking on a 52-day journey from Japan to Cambodia, Thailand, Lao PDR, Malaysia, and Indonesia on board MS Nippon Maru from October 23 to December 15. They will experience institutional visits, homestay program, and dialogues, and participate in discussions on youth-related issues with the other contingents from Japan and the 10 ASEAN-member countries.

SSEAYP is a cultural and youth exchange program sponsored by the Government of Japan and implemented by NYC in the Philippines. It brings together more than 300 participants from the region to this annual program that aims to foster goodwill and cooperation among the participants by enabling them to learn about one another’s societies through various cultural and exchange activities.

Ephraim and Stephanie. Photo by the National Youth Commission.

In preparation for the program, the contingent will have a month-long pre-departure activity in September, where they will rehearse for the National Presentation to be presented on the ship, among others. They are currently looking for sponsors for their expenses during the training and program itself in exchange for an advertising opportunity. If you are interested in supporting our region’s representatives, please contact Ephraim at if.ppysseayp44@gmail.com, stef.ppysseayp44@gmail.com or +63 917 310 0326. You may also check their Facebook page, 44th SSEAYP PPY 2017 – Batch Bulawan.