THREE UST alumni are among the Philippine delegates to a cultural exchange program for young people from Japan and member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
UST graduates Zion Enrico Licup (Architecture), Kaiser Del Caller (Nursing), and Riel John Araracap (Asian Studies) will participate in the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) as part of “Batch Bagani,” the Philippines’ 49th contingent to SSEAYP.
Batch Bagani consists of 17 delegates—11 male and five female—who came from various parts of the country. The delegates were confirmed on Sept. 6.
Batch Bagani will aim at highlighting the Filipino culture on the global stage, Licup said.
“‘Yong pinaka-goal ng batch din talaga is to showcase the Filipino culture aside from ‘yong certain advocacies namin individually,” he told the Varsitarian.
During the program, participants between 18 to 30 years old live and work together on a ship, the Nippon Maru, and visit various countries and conduct homestays.
They will also engage in activities like national presentations, discussion groups, cultural exchanges, and community service.
Licup plans to demonstrate the capabilities and leadership skills of the Filipino youth, in the context of issues on corruption in the country.
Before departing to Japan, Batch Bagani visited foreign embassies and communities throughout the country, and conducted its National Day of Presentation on Dec. 5, 2025, when the delegates showcased their roots and heritage through performances.
Licup said batch members were looking for sponsorships as only the program itself would be covered by government funding.
Batch Bagani departed on Jan. 14, and are set to visit Singapore and Thailand apart from Japan. The program will last until Feb. 17.
This year’s SSEAYP themes include quality education, economic growth, sustainable tourism, global environment and climate change, disaster risk reduction, social welfare, and artificial intelligence.
SSEAYP is sponsored by the Japanese government, with Asean member-states actively participating. In the Philippines, the National Youth Commission acts as the implementing agency of the program and takes charge of delegate selection.
