2010 Global PPYnoys

The year 2010 is forever etched in the hearts and minds of a 27-youth delegation that set sail from Japan, including six ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. As Philippine Ambassadors to the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP). Led by their National Leader, Jocelyn Patrice Lolarga Deco, with Robert Michael Razon and Yrrah Jean Pineda as their Youth Leader and Assistant Youth Leader. Proudly carrying the country’s torch as PANGKAT SULO, the Global PPYnoys embarked on a voyage aboard Fuji Maru on October 25, 2010.

Pangkat Sulo is a team of empowered Philippine youth ambassadors that consists primarily of local youth leaders, educators, indigenous representatives, economists, artists, and health and environmental champions. They are committed to social responsibility and values formation and are working towards the cultivation of J-Asean relationships. During the 52-day voyage, the Pangkat Sulo members set sail with ten other contingents and successfully highlighted the unique and distinct identity of the Filipinos.

In retrospect, the group has much to be proud of. They understand that each contingent possesses its own peculiarities, yet at the end of the day, they all come together. They know that there is an invisible yet unbreakable bond that ties everyone together. They not only practiced what it takes to be ambassadors but also matured and gained a great deal of knowledge from this experience. Their Facebook account has more than doubled its friend requests, and numerous photos were shared throughout the trip. Many familiar and beloved faces will remain in everyone's hearts for years to come. The voyage may have ended, but their life journey has only just begun.

Pangkat Sulo has established a reputation for being a sociable and amiable group, displaying excellent camaraderie with all PYs on board. The PPYs have made a significant impact in all aspects of the onboard and offboard activities, including Discussion Groups and Country Programs. Their members have exhibited remarkable proficiency in their respective fields and advocacies, engaging in thought-provoking discussions and showcasing their talents through traditional dances, musical performances, and culinary delights while also organizing and emceeing interactive workshops and events.

During the National Day Presentation, the 2010 Philippine contingent delivered an outstanding performance that was acclaimed as the most artistic, enriching, and acrobatic display of all NDPs. All participating youths were highly impressed with the promotion, which commenced during the morning assembly, followed by a lunchtime beat dance at the dining hall. The highlight of the event was a harmonious "Harana" on the stairs leading to the Pacific Hall, which mesmerized every spectator and generated excitement for the upcoming presentation. The performance of the PPYs was witnessed and appreciated by the ship's Filipino crew, who were acknowledged during the program as modern-day Filipino heroes.

Pangkat Sulo implemented its "7,107 Island" Project Launch in 2011, a year after the completion of its program. The project aimed to establish community learning centers for the youth in Palawan (Bless Program) and the City of Valenzuela in Manila. The latter initiative enabled more than 300 alternative learning system (ALS) padyak boys and girls to graduate from high school in 2014 and provided them with access to TechVoc programs offered by TESDA. Over the years, the project expanded to Bicol and Zamboanga. 

In the same year, Pangkat Sulo also launched its book "TICKER TAPES- 2010 SSEAYP Memories" at Club Intramuros during the NL Lunch Program. The book is a compilation of write-ups and experiences of SSEAYP37 participants. 

In 2013, the contingent partnered with the Philippines Institute for Interior Designers – East Visayas (PIID-EV) to work on Project Verde in Paranas, Samar. The initiative involved rehabilitating two rooms in Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City, which catered to children with severe malnutrition. 

In 2015, the SSEAYP International Philippines (SIP) and National Youth Commission (NYC) bestowed Pangkat Sulo with the "Outstanding Alumni Group" Award in recognition of their numerous successful projects since completing the program in 2010.

Keep the torch burning!

Jocelyn Patrice Lolarga-Deco
National Leader, SSEAYP2010

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