YES, you read it right. Dr. Jose Rizal would definitely caution this Ikarao offspring if he happens to skim this proposition. Various metaphors and similes may characterize this premise if you experienced telling stories with the group.
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of the capital town of Benguet together with other youth volunteers brought out and raised issues in the implementation of the 10% SK Fund during the Skills Enhancement Training conducted on June 1-2.
While there is the joint memorandum circular of Department of Budget and Management, National Youth Commission and Department of Interior and Local Government, still, there is a vague area in the execution of the budget. The circular states that the SK is self-governing in the allocation and disbursement of its finances. This leads to another problem since SK is instructed to assign a Treasurer and Secretary.
Youth treasurers and secretaries are not allowed to get their honoraria or salary from the 10% Fund. In La Trinidad, some barangays used their barangay general fund in filling up the designations to complete the structure of the SK. Majority of the barangays have not implemented a single project due to the present uncertain situation. The Commission on Audit (COA) has yet to release the guidelines in relation to the joint circular. The SK officials who are already implementing their programs and activities are crossing their fingers hoping not to receive any audit observation memorandum from COA.
Aside from the kilometric discussion on the SK budget, Ms. Sharon Pawid of the Planning and Development Office gave a summative review and feedback on the Barangay Youth Development Plans and Comprehensive Barangay Youth Investment Plans. As observed by Ms. Ana Elizabeth Ota-ot and other nutritionists, who delivered a lecture on nutrition during the training, some of the plans of the SK did not include programs in nutrition. The nutritionists suggested that inclusion of such programs in the plans is crucial in the alleviation of malnutrition in the municipality.
The youth leaders also immersed themselves in making activity designs considering the tips in writing efficient and effective designs. Also, the SK officials practiced their skills in facilitating and documenting events.
Through a team building activity, the youth officials revisited and were reoriented on the values needed in managing and leading an organization.
Hon. Apolinario Bagano Jr., SK Federation President, challenged and reminded the group to prove that SK has the power to make a change in the community. “Let’s implement activities in accordance with our plans and related laws to avoid difficulties.”
If you supported and prayed for the victory of Warriors in Game 5, let’s also do the same acts to triumph a transformative SK community.