By Billy Begas
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading the proposal granting kagawads of Sangguniang Kabataan honoraria and civil service eligibility.
House Bill 10698 seeks to amend the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, principal author of the measure, is confident that the measure will be enacted into law since the Senate has passed a similar proposal.
“With the Senate version already approved, and the House expected to approve this on final reading next week, we will likely see enactment. There is strong minority and majority support for the measure, so I expect very smooth sailing for this proposal,” said Salceda, chairperson of the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Salceda said the reform is crucial to professionalize the youth council. The reform expands the functions of SKs to include skills training, youth employment, environmental protection, values education, and other programs specific to the vulnerabilities affecting young people.
It also mandates that the SK Treasurer must have a background in finance or accounting.
“I believe that the SK is still underutilized. We are giving them more benefits, but in return, we are also giving them more meaningful work,” Salceda added.
Salceda noted that 52% of the Filipinos are below 24 years old and individuals who are allowed to run for SK are up to 24 years of age.
“That means the majority of Filipinos are SK constituents. We should not neglect this crucial level of government,” he pointed out.
