MikeLigalig.com

By MANUEL FERDINAND RAMIREZ DE ERIO
Bohol Sunday Post

Amidst various speculations whether the synchronized Barangay and SK elections will push through or not, the National Youth Commission (NYC) pushes for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reforms just in time for upcoming registration of new voters for the SK elections.

The reforms sought for the crucial changes to include the venue of the conduct of registration and the age requirements for the would-be SK officials, which are among crucial components of the proposed SK Reform Bill, which the NYC continuously lobbied for approval in both houses of congress.

The proposal assert for change of venue for the conduct of registration to be done in respective barangay halls instead of the crowded city or municipal halls. This suggestion stems from observations of some youth groups who responded in the consultation made for the said concern.
          
It was revealed in the consultation that in previous conduct of registrations made in the city and municipal level, youth residents of far-flung barangays were prohibited from enlisting due to distance, while barangay level registrations have encouraged growth in number of new voters.

Another crucial proposal is the increase of age requirement of would-be SK officials from 15 to 17 years old to 15 to 21 years old. This component in the proposed SK Reform Bill is anchored to the result of a study conducted by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Developmental Studies (UP-CIDS).

NYC Commissioner representing the Visayas Benjie Oliva saw value in these proposals to reform the existing system. "These measures would aid greatly in providing a venue where the youth can truly participate in governance." He said.

"These reforms will strengthen the institution, and give credibility to a much maligned political body. We [NYC] believe that with these changes, the Sangguniang Kabataan will truly be a training ground for young government leaders", adds Commissioner Oliva.

SK Bohol federation president Frances Bobbith Cajes-Auza together with the majority of the SK city and municipal federations in the province likewise agree to the proposal. "During our term as SK presidents, we have observed, we have experience and we have identified the loopholes in this institution [SK] and we are positive that these reforms will pave the way for a better system," she said.

 

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