The Newly Elected SK Officials: What then?
By: John Mill Gregore
     On the 14th day of May, 2018 was the nationwide election for the new sets of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials along with the election of Sangguniang Barangay (SB) officials. It was a tremendous event because after two consecutive election, the administration will give again the opportunity to the youth to engage in politics. The 2013 SK election was postponed and position were left vacant due to some issue regarding on the former SK officials. The alternate venue for youth participation for the last 5 years was the Task force on Youth Development (TFYD) that was tasked to oversee the utilization of the SK funds in the Barangay. After a years of awaiting, the youth will govern it’s constituents it its own approach. However, is the new sets of SK officials equipped to lead the youth?
     According to the Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act of 2015, the Sangguniang Kabataan will be separate to the Sangguniang Barangay, which means that the SK will have financial independence in its operations, disbursements and encashment of their funds, income and expenditures. It composed of the 10% of the general budget of the barangay to be set aside for SK. Unlike the previous term of SK, the released of budget will depend to the Barangay Chairman. They doesn’t have the right to hold budget and has a limit in terms of authority to conduct programs in the barangay. Through this reform SK can actively engage in barangay development. In condition, they must submit their Annual Barangay Youth Improvement Plan (ABYIP) and Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP)-which is a three year planning that is a compulsory requirement before their budget will be released.
     The modification of age expansion of members is one of the salient feature of their governance. Hence, the age bracket of Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) members will be 15 - 30 years old and is registered voter of their barangay. Also, all the SK officials are now lawfully legible of their deeds due the amendments that all SK official must be on the legal age from 18-24 years old before they serve on their term. Therefore, their responsibility will be broaden concerning the health, education, economic empowerment, social inclusion and equality, peace building and security, governance, active citizenship, environment and global mobility according to DILG. For this huge responsibility bestowed upon them, can our youth leaders could make a big difference in our society?
     Political dynasty has been strictly interdicted by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) on SK because of the issue regarding corruption among clans. All the elected officials don’t have any kin within 2nd generation. We have diverse ability and it cannot be define by our blood. The last election has been a fought of deserving individuals who are willing to waste their time serving their constituents. We as a voters has a great time deciding the best candidate who has an ability that we think can make a difference. Some may feel sorry because their chosen candidates didn’t win the position. Now, it is a great challenge for our leaders on how they will handle these responsibilities. For over hundreds and thousands of voters to their respective barangays hoping for a significant change, they have the influence to do it.
