The 14-day tour is in the interest of promoting international relations and fostering relations between the next generation of political leaders in the Philippines and the United States. The program itself is designed to create understanding of various levels of government in the US.
While the international airfare and visa fees are the responsibility of the sending organization, the invitation from ACYPL dated January 20, 2006 guarantees that the organization will shoulder the program costs including meals, accommodations, in-country travel, and miscellaneous expenses during the trip. "The American Council of Young Political Leaders is pleased to invite you to participate in a political study tour of the United States from February 20 to March 3, 2006. The delegation will consist of seven young elected officials from the Philippines," the invitation reads.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña and the city council have given the go signal for Pesquera's travel.
A bi-partisan and non-profit organization, ACYPL is recognized worldwide "as the pre-eminent catalyst for introducing rising political leaders and policy makers to international affairs."
Since 1996, the organization has conducted exchanges with the Philippines through its counterparts such as the National Movement of Young Legislators. Its programs are funded in part by a grant received from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State. - Joeberth M. Ocao