CATBALOGAN CITY, April 27, 2018. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is partnering with many learning institutes in the entire country in the conduct of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Mandatory Training. DILG-Samar has tapped Samar State University (SSU) for barangays in the Second District of Samar.
The Research Center for Culture and Social Issues (RCCSI) of Samar State University with the participation of all Colleges in the university as well as invited external speakers/resource persons are working together to ensure the success of the said technical advice/training sessions. The activity will run from May 19 to 29, 2018 at Samar State University. Topics covered include the following;
Module 1: (Decentralization and Local Governance & SK History and its Salient Features
Module 2: (Meetings and Resolutions and Planning and Budgeting)
Module 3: (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees)
The government will spend PhP 2,000.00 per participant chargeable to SK Funds according to NBC Circular No. 563 dated April 22, 2016. The one-day training schedule is as follows;
May 19 – Daram
May 20 – Calbiga and Motiong
May 21 – Jiabong and Zummaraga
May 22 – Catbalogan
May 23 – Marabut, San Jose de Buan, and San Sebastian
May 24 – Pinabacdao and Sta. Rita
May 25 – Basey, Hinabangan, and Talalora
May 26 – Paranas and Villareal
DILG-Samar Provincial Director Judy Batulan said that SK Officials are required to undergo the training program before their assumption of office. He further emphasized that according to SK Reform Act (RA 10742, Chapter V, Sec 27) failure to participate in the training without the valid reason is a ground to disqualify the elected SK officials or may be subjected to disciplinary actions.
The participants are enjoined by the trainers to follow house rules strictly. The SSU team headed by Mr. Ronnie Velasco is very hopeful that the elected SK Officials will be very attentive and participative during the training.
This training is hoped to improve understanding of the elected officials on their roles as leaders of the youth. It is also to educate them on what are the more pressing intervention needed from them. In the past, most of the projects were relatively useless, such as signages, hosting of events, some are “vacation-like” activities. The National Youth Commission (NYC), the highest policy-making body for the youth sector said in an interview that projects like beauty contests, house-plate number, outing, lakbay-aral (educational travels) which are just vacations, basketball leagues and others are discouraged, and they will be monitoring all SK activities. Some year’s back, SK law was proposed to be abolished for many valid reasons. The 2015 version of the SK law cured some of the defects of the old law. The newer version includes age qualification and the anti-dynasty provisions.
All elected SK officials are required to visit their respective LGUs for specific instruction before coming to the training venue. Training for the First District of Samar elected SK Officials will be handled by NwSSU.