Bugkos Lahi, Making Waves and Sparking Change

Bugkos Lahi (bundle/bond, race) –  the 39th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) Philippine Participating Youth (PPY) in 2012 consisted of 28 empowered changemakers. Led by their National Leader Mabel Sunga Acosta, with Jona Alegra-Chiang and Joseph Victor Fresnoza, Youth Leader and Assistant Youth Leader, respectively, Bugkos Lahi is the last batch to board the SSEAYP ship, Fuji Maru. They traveled for 53 days in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei.

Bugkos Lahi demonstrated the usual fun and dynamic energy of PPYs and actively engaged in various discussion groups. Their National Day Presentation was exceptional, seamlessly weaving cultural songs and dances, and captivating narratives that celebrated Philippine heritage, history, and contemporary issues.

Recognizing the transformative power of accessible and quality education in uplifting communities, Bugkos Lahi embraced this mission for their Post Program Activity (PPA). 

The contingent conducted their first PPA in 2013 in Zamboanga where they capacitated children through training sessions on leadership, and water sanitation and hygiene. They also partnered with the Yellow Boat Foundation, a Non-Government Organization that builds boats for kids who swim to go to school, and contributed US$ 1500 from all the PYs of 39th SSEAYP for the construction of these boats. 

In the subsequent PPAs, Bugkos Lahi continued their commitment to capacity-building and learning, extending their support to communities in Paglaum, Tacloban City in 2014; West Fairview Elementary School, Quezon City in 2015 (in partnership with the Singapore contingent); and ACAY Missions Philippines, Inc. in 2018.

Bound by their ardent love of country and desire for social change, the PPYs of Bugkos Lahi remain steadfast in their dedication to nation-building and community development. Serving as leaders in their own right, they embody the best of the Filipino values and vision. This is who they are. One race, one hope, one voice – Bugkos Lahi.

Ryan Bestre
SSEAYP2012