With the mandatory training for newly-minted Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) nearing 100% completion, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos today reminded the incoming youth leaders to ‘walk the talk’ by exemplifying good governance even at a young age.

“Along with the key skills and responsibilities that you’ve learned during the training, pinakaimportante ang pagtupad sa mga ipinangako ninyo noong kayo ay nangangampanya. You have to walk the talk,” Abalos said.

He issued the call even as the National Youth Commission (NYC) was about to wrap up the mandatory training of SK officials.

Abalos said that the lessons that the SK officials learned during the training must inspire them to lean towards good governance as they build the bedrock of our country’s future.

“The quality of our young leaders today shall determine the kind of leaders that they will be tomorrow. Habang maaga, piliin ninyo ang maayos at tapat na klase ng pamamahala,” he added.

The SK mandatory training, pursuant to Section 28 of Republic Act 11768, serves as a comprehensive knowledge and skill orientation for newly elected SK officials and jointly administered by the DILG and NYC.

The training encompasses five key sessions, covering topics such as Decentralization and Local Governance, SK History and Salient Features, Meetings and Resolutions, Planning and Budgeting, and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.

Incumbent SK officials shall also attend the continuing training programs prepared by the NYC and its partner agencies, which will offer more comprehensive training and capacity development activities to build competencies necessary for effective SK leadership.

Under the same provision, Abalos said that failure to comply in either mandatory or continuing training programs shall constitute sufficient grounds to disqualify the derelict SK officials or subject them to disciplinary actions.

Abalos likewise commended the NYC for expeditiously fulfilling its mandate in ensuring full compliance from the elective youth officials of cities and municipalities all over the country.

“Closing in on almost a hundred percent within just 2 weeks after the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is truly a remarkable achievement,” he said.

Following full completion, a separate mandatory bookkeeping training is being developed to be administered by TESDA to SK-appointed treasurers, in compliance with the new guidelines set for the qualifications of SK secretaries and treasurers.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-urges-newly-elected-SK-leaders-to-walk-the-talk-practice-good-governance/NC-2023-1245