Batch Dugong Dakila: The Philippines’ Legendary PYs

2013 was a difficult time in the Philippines due to three of the most unforeseen circumstances, the Zamboanga Siege, the strongest earthquake which struck Bohol and the Central Visayas, and the super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) which devastated Tacloban City and nearby. Despite these catastrophes, the Philippines through the Office of the President NYC was able to send a strong batch of Philippine Youth Ambassadors of Goodwill to the 40th SSEAYP. 

Carrying the name, “Batch Dugong Dakila (BDD),” this contingent of goodwill missionaries was composed of 27 youth leaders representing various regions in the country. The delegation was headed by its NL, then Bulacan Board Member and himself an ex-PPY, Hon. Ariel S. Arceo (19th SSEAYP, 1992) with Randy S. Magdaluyo (Region 9) and Jemimah C. Landicho (NCR) as YL and AYL, respectively.  

BDD was largely composed of young professionals from different industries, and few college students and members of cultural communities. Their SSEAYP batch was the first to board the highly refurbished MS Nippon Maru, after its four-year hiatus and made ports of call (POC) in Tokyo, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and The Philippines; and the first in the program’s history to have a POC in Naha (Okinawa), Japan. 

Aside from the commonly served ceremonies, the BDD enjoyed other commemorative events in time of the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship-Cooperation. One of which was the visit of the Imperial Highnesses, the Crowned Prince and Crowned Princess Akishino a day before the ship left for its first POC in Vietnam. Similarly, BDD’s NL, YL, and AYL joined other group leaders for a courtesy visit with then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.  

While BDD was commonly known by other contingents as enthusiastic, dynamic, resilient, and facilitative they truly distinguished themselves in SG, DG, Club, and Voluntary activities, and institutional visits. Exemplifying their finest in various fields and advocacies, they vigorously contributed their insights in meaningful conversations that pushed conventional boundaries. One of BDD’s most legendary contributions in program’s activities was their introduction of Filipino sign language through the SSEAYP well-adored song “We are Unity” showcasing inclusivity and sensitivity. Their vibrance in traditional dances, musical performances, and cultural exhibits left long lasting impact and contributed to the attainment of international cooperation and cross-cultural pluralism. 

Due to the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda, the BDD joined the entire 364 Japan-ASEAN delegation in the launching of the Project S.H.A.R.E (SSEAYP Helping, Assisting, Rebuilding, Empowering), which geared at helping affected communities. 

The BDD’s National Presentation drew from its batch name, encompassing three parts, Pintig-Pulso-Puso (Dugo); and celebrating the country’s land and its people through “it’s more fun theory” (Dakila). Hence, the Batch Dugong Dakila. 

With a great vision for the Republic of the Philippines and beyond, BDD returned to the country with an overwhelming experience of an intercultural family and friendship they will forever nurture and foster until eternity. The program has ended but they have remained committed to the SSEAYP community and the world, exemplifying their Post Program Activity (PPA) that aims to empower the marginalized and less privileged communities through psychosocial support (Share a Smile), capacity-building activities (Share Knowledge) and sustainable living (Share a Life). Indeed, once a PY, always a PY.

Brenfred “Brenny” N. Romero
PPY-12, The 40th SSEAYP 2013

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