PHL to serve as venue of 38th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program
By Fayette C. Riñen
‘country is also 1st port of call of SSEAYP)
CEBU CITY, September 8 (PIA) – The Philippines will serve as the venue of the First Country Program of the 38th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) that will be participated by 29 young leaders coming from different regions nationwide to represent the country as Philippine youth ambassadors.
SSEAYP is a diplomatic and cultural exchange program among emerging youth leaders in Asiasponsored by the Government of Japan.
This year’s SSEAYP itinerary is exceptional since the Philippines will be one of the ports of call and venue of the first Country Program, presenting the Philippine contingent, “PintigPinoy,” with the unique opportunity of exemplifying the best of our Filipino values and showcasing our rich culture and heritage.
Likewise, the PintigPinoy can also show to the world especially our ASEAN neighbors the various Filipino individuals as well as corporations and institutions that have achieved global success.
Over 300 young delegates from Japan and the ten ASEAN member states are expected to participate in this program to promote and strengthen friendship and cultural understanding.
For 52 days, the delegates will be on board the cruise liner MS Fuji Maru from October 26 to December 16, 2011, visiting six ports of call, namely: Japan, Philippines (Manila), Brunei Darussalam (Muara), Indonesia (Jakarta), Malaysia
(Port Klang) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh).
The country will also be the first port of call of the Ship where the Philippine contingent dubbed asPintig Pinoy along with its partners from both the government and public sectors will get the chance to showcase the Philippine culture and heritage as well as the development of the country’s industries.
During ports of call, the delegates will interact with the local youths and will be on a homestay program. They will also respond to courtesy calls of dignitaries and will do institutional visits in order to learn more about other Southeast Asian cultures and traditions.
To ensure that the Philippine ambassadors are prepared to participate and represent the country in this international undertaking, PintigPinoy is set to undergo a month-long series of seminars, trainings and preparatory activities focusing on diplomatic affairs, youth leadership, personal development and social decorum, culture and the arts.
Preparation on country papers to feature the best local practices in education, youth development and traditional culture among other activities will also be done, this is said.
Official delegates of the Philippines, along with their National Leader, were selected by the Office of the President, through the National Youth Commission. (PIA-Cebu with PR from NYC)
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PHL to host international conference against corruption
By: Amor Saludar
CEBU CITY September 8 (PIA) -- In recognition to the country’s legitimate vow to combat corruption and uphold excellent governance, the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) has chosen Manila as its host for the 2013 conference.
GOPAC Executive Committee was assured of the statement from Senator Edgardo Angara that President President Benigno Simeon Aquino III articulated his full support for the country’s hosting of the biennial international conference.
"Clearly, the international community recognizes our government's genuine commitment to fight corruption and promote good governance for in a strong vote of confidence, GOPAC selected Manila as the host of its next conference,” revealed Angara.
Around 350 to 400 participants from 90 member countries are expected to attend the conference as 12 topics for workshops and seminars are set by the Manila Steering Committee comprised of Senator Franklin M. Drilon, Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban, and Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Teresita Herbosa.
Topics to be tackled for the 2013 conference are the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Governance Act; Anti-Money Laundering law versus Bank Secrecy law; Effect and power of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC); Political party campaign financing; Ethics and conduct of parliamentarians; Parliamentary immunity and oversight; Role of women parliamentarians; How to access information and media affects legislation; Role of good audit in the fight against corruption; Involvement of civil society in preventing corruption; Recruiting good people to work for government; and Inclusion of anti-corruption values in education.
Angara said the GOPAC conference aspires to unite parliamentarians in exchanging ideas and forging stronger international solidarity in the quest of good governance.
"Government leaders face daunting challenges of growing public suspicion and distrust. It is our responsibility to restore trust and confidence in our public institutions to preserve stability, stimulate economic development and protect democracy," Angara stressed.
The topics on against corruption will be given emphasis during the conference as this is one of factors branded by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as hindrance to the development of a country.
According to the Charter President of the South East Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC), South East Asia is very enthusiastic in expressing persistent hard work to promote good governance in every country. (FCR/ AS with reports from the office of Sen. Angara)