CEBU CITY – Various youth organizations in Cebu have banded together and called for reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan or SK.
Youth leaders also signed a manifesto calling for the immediate passage of SK Reform Law which they will pass to Cebuano members of the House of Representatives. They urged lawmakers to expedite the approval of SK Reform Bill.
Cebu City Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella also showed his support to the youths and even welcomed them during a motorcade August 12 which coincided with the International Youth Day and the National Day of Action for SK Reform.
The youth groups were also being supported by National Youth Commission, SK Reform Coalition in Cebu, Akbayan Youth Cebu, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines Cebu Chapter, various student organizations, civic and barangay-based youth organizations, local governments of Cebu City, Mandaue, Talisay, and Lapu-Lapu, and the provincial government of Cebu
Youth groups were united in saying “No to Status Quo, Fix and Reform SK Now.”
National Youth Commission Undersecretary Gregorio Ramon Tingson, together with former NYC commissioner Erwin Andaya and former Cebu City SK Federation president John Philip Po, were also in Cebu and spoke about the advocacy.
Congress approved the postponement of the SK elections for one year sans holdover which is aimed at passing reforms in the youth sector’s representation in the government.
Andaya said the SK election was supposed to have been set on October 28 this year, but lawmakers also agreed to hold the next SK polls between October 28 and February 23, 2015.
He said the Commission on Elections and some lawmakers are proposing for status quo on SK elections, but there is a strong clamor from the youth sector to initiate much needed reforms in the framework of SK and some of these are the proposed adjustment in the age bracket of SK officials from the current 15-17 years old to 18-24 years old; no to political dynasty; and the mandatory leadership training for the SK Officials for them to be efficient and effective in their positions. (Greggy Jiggs Senados)
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