Over 570 youth leaders actively took part in the Annual Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Convention anchored on the theme, “REPOWER: Reinforcing End-of-Term Practices and Objectives for a Well-prepared Electoral Transition and Reforms” on May 6-8, 2023 at the Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City, as they prepare for the transition in view of the October 30, 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

 

The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial SK Federation, under the leadership of BM Keith D. Doble and in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zambales, headed by Provincial Director Martin Porres B. Moral. DILG Regional Director, Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, also graced the activity and gave an inspirational message. 

“Some of you may seek for other positions in the public service in the near future, thus, the technical know-how that you have acquired through the years of experience as an SK will serve as a strong foundation for good leadership”, PD Moral expressed in his message to the youth.

 

Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr, through his representative Mr. Rolex E. Estella, expressed his support to the endeavors of the SK and emphasized the roles of the youth in the over-all development of the province. In his message, Mr. Estella encouraged the participants to actively listen and likewise advocated for continuous capacity development among the youth. 

To ensure that the barangay and SK Properties and money accountabilities will be properly turned over to the incoming/elected BSKOs, LGOO V Rose Ann D. Agostosa, Capability Development Section Chief, discussed the provisions of the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-047 on the  “Conduct of Inventory and Turnover of Barangay/Sangguniang Kabataan Properties, Financial Records, Documents and Money Accountabilities by all Incumbent Barangay and SK Officials, and the Creation of the Barangay and SK Inventory Team and the City/Municipal Assessment and Turnover Team, in view of the October 30, 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections”. 

Meanwhile, Cluster Team Leader Melissa D. Nipal discussed the salient points of various COMELEC Resolutions in view of the upcoming BSKE while giving emphasis on the roles of the SKs in ensuring transparency and accountability as she discussed the requirements of the SK Full Disclosure Policy (SKFDP).

The activity also served a venue to revitalize the roles of the SKs in nation-building.               LGOO VI Threeks F. Fontamillas, Program Manager, facilitated the launching of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Iwasan (BIDA) Program, one of the priority thrusts of the current administration in fighting against illegal drugs, to raise awareness and encourage youth participation in drug demand reduction. #

 

BY | LGOO V Rose Ann D. Agostosa