Tokyo PE Welcomes Filipino Delegates to the International Youth Development Exchange (INDEX) Program
The Philippine Embassy welcomed Filipino delegates to the International Youth Development Exchange (INDEX) Program in a reception hosted by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan at the New Hotel Otani, Tokyo on 7 October 2019.
The eight-member Philippine delegation is part of the 89 participants to this year’s INDEX Program which includes participating youth from Japan, Austria, Lithuania, Mexico, Peru and Viet Nam. Representing the Philippines are Ms. Ariane Joy Pinol Coronel, Mr. Crisjhon Senica Viray, Mr. Harvey Lorenzo Ganotisi, Mr. Mark Fredelben Gomez Gravillo, Mr. Rexor Leong Amancio, Ms. Angela Marie Mangaoil Villareal, Ms. Nesie Fe Guno Binatero and Ms. Schemie Maala Baylon.
The Philippine delegation was selected by the National Youth Commission (NYC) through a competitive screening process of applicants from all over the country based on their leadership potential and track record of engagement in youth activities and other social advocacies.
During the 16-day INDEX Program (5-20 October 2019), the Filipino participants will have the opportunity to undertake institutional visits, join discussions on multiculturalism, disaster management and labor issues as well as travel to Kochi and Okayama prefectures to immerse themselves with Japanese people and culture through the homestay program.
During the reception, the Filipino participants also met with their Japanese counterparts who travelled to the Philippines from 18 September – 5 October 2019. The Japanese delegates expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality of the Filipinos and also highlighted how the Filipino youth can become a driving force of growth and development.
The INDEX Program was established in commemoration of the marriage of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress in 1994. It aims to promote mutual friendship and understanding between Japanese youth and youth in foreign countries, to foster the spirit of international cooperation, and to nurture youths who can demonstrate leadership and contribute to local and global social activities.