The Development Academy of the Philippines’ Center for Governance conducted the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) mandatory training for the newly-elected SK officials of Mandaluyong City on May 20 and 26, 2018 at the DAP Building in Pasig City.
The SK Reform Act of 2015 provides that the DAP, together with the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance and Local Government Academy, is mandated to assist the National Youth Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the implementation of a mandatory and continuing training program for SK officials.
Mandaluyong partner
The DAP was selected to be a partner of Mandaluyong City in the implementation of the said program, in coordination with the DILG-Mandaluyong Field Office, the City Youth Development Office, and the Liga ng mga Barangay.
The training is designed to develop the competence of the participants to perform their powers and functions as SK officials. Through this program, the participants learned the concept, practice, and implications of decentralization in local governance through lessons shared by DAP Director Alvin Principe and Antipolo City Councilor Ronald Barcena.
The session also discussed the major characteristics of good governance as well as the basic services and facilities provided for by the Local Government Code of 1991.
United and innovative
Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmencita “Menchie” Abalos graced both training sessions and enjoined the newly-elected SK officials in her city to be united and innovative when it comes to SK programs and projects.
Jennilyn Maranan, Mandaluyong’s youth development officer and a former SK official herself, discussed the history of the SK in the Philippines along with the key changes that came with it through the SK Reform Act of 2015.
Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas, on the other hand, taught the SK participants how to draft barangay resolutions and shared the basic skills that are needed in preparing and participating in a council meeting.
Planning, budgeting and code of conduct
The SK participants also learned the basic principles of planning and budgeting as well as the code of conduct and ethical standards that they need to possess as they assume office.
To affirm their oath as public officials, a pledge of commitment activity was led by Ms. Maranan during the closing program.
A total of 200 participants from 27 barangays joined the training, with 27 SK chairmen and 173 SK members in attendance.
The newly-elected SK officials will continue to attend a number of training programs that will be headed by the NYC and DILG, in coordination with SK City/Municipal Management Teams nationwide. – Ashley Monsanto