Mark Borres: A Philippine Youth Ambassador
The program brings together more than 300 youth from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the unique opportunity to live together on board the Japanese ship Nippon Maru for over 50 days
Mark Borres
A 26-year old Ilonggo lad Mark Borres is among the 28 Philippine delegates for the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) through the National Youth Commission under the Office of the President.
Borres was hailed and raised in Maayon, Capiz and now residing in Iloilo City. He is a Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Laws, both from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City. He has been active in campus leadership and involved various community outreach projects through the Iloilo City (HOST) LEO Club and other volunteer organizations He is now reviewing for Bar Examinations this September.
He has been a recipient of various awards like Academic Excellence Award, Most Outstanding Student in Co-curricular Activities and Achiever's Award in Leadership and Community Involvement. His advocacy has been focused on organizing leadership trainings and team buildings and developing and influencing the Filipino youth to become a responsible and productive leaders and citizens of the country. He likewise deals on educating or reorienting the public in various aspects in order to contribute to the development of our nation.
The male Youth Ambassadors for the
35th SSEAYP with Commissioner Raul
Dominic Badilla (center-sitting),
commissioner of National Youth
Commission representing Luzon..
The SSEAYP is an annual program sponsored by the Japanese Government and supported by the member-countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations or ASEAN, like the Philippines.
The program brings together more than 300 youth from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the unique opportunity to live together on board the Japanese ship Nippon Maru for over 50 days.
SSEAYP started in January 1974 based on Joint Statements issued between Japan and the five ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1985. Vietnam participated in the program in 1996 while Laos and Myanmar participated in 1998, and Cambodia in 2000.
The members of the Philippine
Delegation for the 35th SSEAYP with the
Officials of the National Youth
Commission
The aim of SSEAYP is to foster friendship and greater understanding among young people from Japan and ASEAN countries. It also provides avenues to broaden their international viewpoint and cultivate the spirit of international cooperation.
A series of activities are lined up for the selected participants. The program during the voyages includes discussions on relevant social and youth issues, cultural introductions, sports, recreation and club activities. Activities at each Country port-of-call include interaction with the local youth, courtesy calls on dignitaries and institutional visits, as well as community service and home stay experience.
The 28 Philippine Youth Ambassadors
during the Pre-Departure Training in
Development Academy of the Philippines,
Tagaytay City. Mark Borres of Iloilo is
the one kneeling from right. .
On its 35th year, twenty-eight Filipino youth, aged 18-30, are chosen to carry the Philippine flag, based on their strong background of Philippine history, geography, and culture, and knowledge in current issues of the Philippines, Japan and ASEAN countries. Their educational achievement and community involvement also carried weight in the selection.
This batch of participants will start with the program on October 20 to December 13, 2008.