MANILA, Philippines — The National Youth Commission announces the opening of applications for the 45th ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP). SSEAYP is an annual cultural exchange program among the youth in the ASEAN and Japan that seeks to promote goodwill, friendship and mutual understanding. Each participating country will select 28 youth and one national leader who will congregate in Japan for the initial activities. Interested applicants have until March 20, 2018 to submit their applications.