|
Monday, July 17, 2006
There’s still hope for SK: ex-official
DESPITE criticisms against the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), the organization is still an “ideal training ground to mold future leaders,” Cebu City’s former federation president said.
Anthony Jones Luy, Cebu City SK Federation president when Alvin Garcia was mayor, said the SK still serves an important purpose.
It made them start young in governance and management, he said, that they were experienced enough when faced with trials later on.
Meet with RDC
His successor, Barangay Talamban SK Chairperson Glena Bontuyan wants to meet with Regional Development Council (RDC) officials over its recent recommendation for the government to assess the performance and effectiveness of the organization.
Bontuyan, who represents the SK in the City Council, said she is preparing a written reply to the resolution made by RDC’s Development Administration Committee.
She also plans to meet with RDC officials within the week to personally discuss with them the resolution.
She, however, refused to comment further, saying the University of the Philippines and the National Youth Commission (NYC) already assessed the SK in a recent study and made recommendations.
“Maybe after the meeting,” she said.
In its June 15 meeting, the committee expressed concern about the “proper utilization” of SK funds.
Substantial amounts were provided to the SK in the region from 2002 to 2005, but they were “not matched by substantial accomplishments,” the committee said.
It was also concerned because of “negative reports and feedbacks” about the SK.
Assessment
Through a resolution, the regional body called for an “in-depth assessment on the effectiveness of the SK to determine its future role in the development of the youth.”
It asked President Arroyo to direct the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Youth Commission, Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit to do the study.
Its lack of accomplishments “might be the reason for the perceived little impact wrought by the SK on the youth,” the committee added.
The request has again spawned calls for the abolition of the SK. But Luy said it should not be.
In a telephone interview with Sun.Star Cebu, he said SK is still a “training ground for future leaders.”
“It is a venue that gives us a chance to commit mistakes early so that when we join the real thing, like the barangay or city, we already have gained experience, less likely na ang mistakes,” he said.
He declined to comment on the performance of the current SK Federation, saying he is not privy to its accomplishment.
Factor
But he added that the change of the age bracket from 18-21 to 15-17 contributed a lot to the many foul-ups within the organization.
He said that unlike his time when there were already college students and even professionals in their ranks, the current SK officials started in their high school years, when time for classes leaves just a little room for other activities.
“Before when we were college, we can still find time for the SK,” he said. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 17, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
