Page 4 - 2013 Paganninawan 3rd Quarter
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DILG R1 conducts SK Public Consultation
With the mandate of the President to the Department to study
and submit a report on the abolition of the Sangguniang
Kabataan (SK), the Department of the Interior and Local
Government Regional Office 1 (DILG RO1) conducted a
Regional Consultation at the DILG Regional Office
Conference Hall and convened concerned stakeholders
and engaged them in a dialogue.
The Regional Consultation, as stated during the
Welcome Message of Director Corazon P. Guray, is
aimed to generate region–specific perceptions and
broad–based consensus on two (2) opposing views – to
abolish SK or cause its reform.
To further enlighten the concerned stakeholders, LGOO
VI Lily Ann O. Colisao, Regional Focal Person on
youth and child – related Programs of DILG Region 1
shared a backgrounder on the SK based on the 2007
Study of the UNICEF and DILG, LGC and the
materials provided by the DILG Central Office. Audio–Video
Presentations (AVPs) on interviews and news reports
exhibiting the two (2) opposing views were also
shown to the participants.
After the presentations, the dialogue proper commenced.
The participants started to share their sentiments,
opinions and experiences. The SK critics pushed for
the abolition due to corruption not only of the
organization and its finances but also of the youth’s
judgment and conscience. They believed that SK
is not the only venue through which the youth may
be involved in local governance, socio-political and
civic activities. They argued that the youth can
participate in policymaking and articulate or represent
their rights, interests and welfare through other
LGU councils and special bodies.
On the other hand, the Pro-reform is firm that SK
should not be abolished but be subjected to restructuring
and modifications including the rules and by–laws
that govern it. They believed that SK is a development
partner and is a big help in implementing LGU
projects. Besides, they shared that abolition of
SK is not a solution and will not guarantee the elimination of
corruption in the bureaucracy.
Recommendations were also solicited from the participants.
The Pro–Abolition advocates recommended the
strengthening of youth volunteer organizations and
the representation of the youth through a regular
Sanggunian Member. On the other hand, popular
proposals for SK reform include fiscal autonomy;
(continued at page 7)