Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Politics weakened SK: poll official By Grace L. Plata
IF Commission on Elections Regional Director Remlane Tambuang had his way, he would vote for the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan system, saying it has become ineffective in many ways.
"Pinapakialaman na kasi ng elders (the elders are already interfering). Masyado nang napupulitika (it’s highly politicized)," Tambuang said in Monday's edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw.
But Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, who was also present, defended the SK, saying its purpose as a forum, where youthful ideas for national and local development is formed, is noble and laudable. He added that many former SK officers have become leaders in their own communities.
Mahipus, a Kabataang Barangay product, however, admitted impressionable youth leaders are easily influenced by elder leaders.
"If the elders exercise bad influence on the youth, they tend to follow unaware," Mahipus said.
He added that SK has been downgraded today to being organizers of sports events and like activities.
"In our time, the youth used to participate in rallies, conduct information dissemination or forum on important issues. We invite speakers to talk about issues and encourage discussion and debate thus the youth become politically mature. That is not the case now," Mahipus said.
Mahipus also said that SK has been transformed into an employment opportunity more than a means for the youth to get involved.
"You cannot train one to be a good leader if they are only convinced by the compensation they will get for the posts," Mahipus said explaining the in the past, Kabataang Barangay officers received no honorarium or compensation for their work.
"It was purely volunteerism on one's part," Mahipus added.
For Mahipus, Davao City SK Federation Chair April Marie Dayap is doing an average job.
"She is doing fine but walang fire of youth activism," Mahipus said.
For the youth to have mature political awareness Mahipus said changes have to be made in the SK system but it does not necessarily have to be abolished.
