NEWLY-ELECTED Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or youth council officials and federation officers in Angeles City on Monday took their oath of office before Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan at the legislative building here.
The young leaders were sworn into duty through a solemn ceremony organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Angeles City Youth Development Office (ACYDO).
The mass oath-taking serves as the first after the eight-year hiatus of SK elections due to reconsiderations on the SK Law and mandate.
In his inspirational message, Pamintuan, also League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) president, stressed the relevance of the SK in local governance as they remain to be a vital catalyst and role model to the youth and the rest of the city.
“The youth is the most prized sector in the society. They can influence what will become of society in the future, which is why it is important that they introduce programs that go beyond the simple; plans that are intentional and intelligent,” he said.
The city’s new set of SK Federation Officers include SK President Arnoah Prince Mandani of Barangay Capaya, Vice President Renzo Carlo Santiago of Cutcut, Secretary Aris Pamintuan of Malabanias, Treasurer Karlo Sicat of Sto Cristo, Auditor Jay Edward Pineda of Sta. Teresita, PRO Kyra Christine Licup of Lourdes Sur, and Sergeant-At-Arms Emmanuel Arceo of Cutud, Christian Caligagan of Cuayan, and Erwin Dimalanta of Salapungan.
DILG-Angeles City Director Martin Pores Moral expressed his optimism on the youth council’s comeback saying he is “confident that they will embody the ideals of a public servant who is “Mahusay, Matino at Maaasahan”, which is in line with this year’s nationwide campaign.
“The youth council is granted the role to survey and act on the needs of the young people. I think these newly elected officers will do their duty, but we should wait and see how they will prove that they are indeed the pag-asa ng bayan,” said Moral.
Meanwhile, SK Federation president Mandani assured that the youth leaders are ready for their mandate.
“To my fellow SK officials, let’s show our seniors that we are not here for nothing, that the Sangguniang Kabataan is valuable, so let us always be wise,” stated SK President Mandani.
Under the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, the SK is expected to serve for a three-year term as the highest policy-making body to decide on matters affecting the youth in the barangay, with the duty to develop a Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan.