NYC on SK: Postpone SK, reform SK

THE National Youth Commission, as the voice and advocate of the youth, calls for the postponement of the SK Elections scheduled on October 2013.

The appeal to postpone the upcoming SK polls is to give ample time for our legislators to process the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform and Empowerment Bill.

According to NYC Commissioner Percival Cendaña, this reform is important to correct flaws and gaps in the SK before new officials are elected.

He also emphasized that “if we are going to do it, we have to do it right. Dahil sa matuwid na daan, hindi dapat maiwanan ang pinakamalaking institusyon ng kabataan.”

“Lahat tayo ay may obligasyon na gabayan ang kabataan. Huwag nating alisin ang karapatan nilang makilahok. Kaya upang mabigyan ng sapat na oras ang Kongreso na magkaroon ng makabuluhang diskurso at debate sa usaping reporma, masmainam na i-desyncrhonize nila ang eleksyon at ipostpone an geleksyon ng SK sa 2014.” says NYC Chairman Leon Flores III.

The National Youth Commission deems that the call of other organizations and entities for postponement as a prelude to abolish the entire institution is flawed as they fail to see the vital role of SK and the youth in nation-building.

Due to limitations that are either structural or organizational, the SK as an institution is generally perceived by the public in a negative light.

Coupled with concerns ranging from fiscal management to unimaginative programs to political dynasties public clamor for its abolition is stronger now. However, abolition would only deprive the youth of an important institution for active citizenship and youth participation. It would also mean taking away from the young a legitimate venue for political involvement.

NYC believes that keeping and reforming the SK as an institution is in keeping with the Constitutional provision:  Article 2, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution on encouraging youth involvement in public and civic affairs  thereby promoting the well-being of the young and inculcating in them patriotism and nationalism.

“Whether you are for abolition or reform, we all agree that the status quo, this current system in the SK where we are setting youth up for failure simply cannot continue.

Hindi  puwedeng magpatuloy ang ganitong kalakaran kaya mahalaga ang reporma. Reforms have to be put in place to address structural problems in the institution. But abolition will be a betrayal of youth participation and youth representation.”  Chairman Flores adds.

The National Youth Commission’s Position Paper on SK Reforms can be found on this link.

The National Youth Commission, created under Republic Act 8044 or the “Youth in Nation-Building Act,” is mandated as the policy-making coordinating body of all youth-related institutions, programs and activities of the government.

It aims to encourage wide and active participation of the youth in all governmental and non-governmental programs by harnessing and developing the full potential of the youth as partners in nation-building. – Bicol Mail