Class of ‘26 Salutatorian Acosta is Davao Region’s Sole PH Youth Ambassador to 50th SSEAYP
Sung Goon L. Acosta, Class of 2026 Salutatorian and a Bachelor of Science in Biology graduate with a major in Medical Biology, has been selected by the National Youth Commission (NYC) as one of the Philippine Youth Ambassadors of Goodwill to the 50th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).
The 50th Philippine Contingent will take part in the international program from January 3 to February 5, 2027. Mr. Acosta will join fellow youth representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan in activities that promote friendship, cultural understanding, and regional cooperation.
About the program
SSEAYP is an international youth exchange initiative organized by the Government of Japan, through its Cabinet Office, together with the governments of participating ASEAN member states. The program seeks to foster friendship and mutual understanding among young people, strengthen international cooperation, and develop the next generation of leaders. Participants engage in cross-cultural exchange, group discussions, community engagement, and homestays.
Running since 1974, the program has sent Filipino youth leaders abroad as Ambassadors of Goodwill year after year, and its 50th edition marks a significant milestone for this tradition of youth diplomacy.
In the Philippines, the NYC leads the selection of delegates and oversees the country’s participation. Each contingent is drawn from youth leaders across the nation’s regions, who will represent the Philippines on board and at the ports of call.
Representing the Davao Region
Mr. Acosta is the only delegate from the Davao Region in the 50th Philippine Contingent. He will carry the stories, aspirations, and spirit of Mindanao to his fellow youth ambassadors from ASEAN and Japan, and will take part in conversations on the shared challenges and opportunities facing the region.
For Mr. Acosta, the journey is about more than traveling abroad. He hopes to bring the voices of Davao’s and Mindanao’s young people into the exchange, learn from his counterparts across the region, and return with insights that can advance youth empowerment and peacebuilding in his home community.
He finished his degree at Ateneo de Davao University with Magna Cum Laude honors. His involvement beyond academics includes serving as Vice President of the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Davao (SAMAHAN), the autonomous student government of Ateneo de Davao University, and as Executive Director of the Apo Youth Congress, where he helped lead efforts to encourage youth participation, build leadership, and engage communities.
The University celebrates Mr. Acosta’s achievement, which reflects the academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service that define the Ateneo de Davao community.
The Ateneo de Davao community congratulates Mr. Acosta as he prepares to represent the Philippines in the 50th SSEAYP.
