Public Consultation on SK conducted in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga headed by Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion conducted on Friday, the Public Consultation on Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU)-AVR2, this city with students from different colleges, representatives of government agencies, religious sector and private sector as participants.

Dir. Famacion said that the Public Consultation is initiated to generate categorical stand/views from stakeholders on SK; and whether to abolish or reform the SK.

“The DILG will prepare a report regarding the outcome of said consultation and will submit copy of report to the Office of the President,” Famacion said.

Famacion further clarified that opinions of the representatives from government agencies and organizations do not necessarily represent the opinion of their agency/organization.

Participants from various sectors were able to express their opinions whether to reform or abolish the SK and whether to push-through or postpone the election on October 28, 2013.

Most of the students who participated in the consultation had expressed common opinions that SK does not need to be abolished but to be reformed instead. According to them, accountability scheme in SK should be improved; more strict policies must be imposed to reform the SK; and government should provide a more structured programs for SK.

Also, as to whether to push-through or postpone this year's barangay election, students’ opinion varies.

Meanwhile, there were also participants coming from the public sector who expressed that they want SK to be abolished. According to them, SK officials nowadays are already influenced by 'traditional politicians' who are corrupt. There was also a representative from the same sector who expressed to retain SK but abolish SK honorarium.

It was also learned that in totality, majority of the participants opted that barangay election on October 2013 should be postponed to give ample time for the reformation of SK and its system. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)