Iloilo SK head: Abolishing youth council weakens democracy

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president of Iloilo City warned that abolishing the SK would weaken democracy by limiting youth participation in governance.

Jelma Crystel Implica said the move would make democracy less inclusive and deprive young people of their rightful place in society.

“Our youth really deserve a rightful seat at the table, not a closed door,” she said Wednesday, Sept. 10.

She emphasized that the SK is essential for grassroots representation, giving the youth a platform to voice concerns, support advocacies, and showcase their strengths.

Instead of abolishing the SK, Implica urged agencies like the National Youth Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to create more opportunities that strengthen youth participation.

On allegations that the SK fosters corruption, she said the SK Reform Act of 2015 addressed transparency and accountability in the system.

The law requires that SK funds, equivalent to 10% of the barangay general fund, be deposited in a government-owned bank under the SK’s name with the chairperson and treasurer as signatories.

For Iloilo City, Implica said the federation is changing the system by requiring SK chairpersons to comply with reporting rules before receiving funds for development plans.

She said at least 170 of the city’s 180 barangays have submitted their annual Barangay Youth Investment Plans.

Implica also rejected claims that SKs are controlled by barangay captains, stressing that they follow their own processes.

She said these processes include submitting youth investment plans, reports, minutes, and resolutions directly to the barangay captain for review.

She added that the federation requires proof of barangay captain approval before accepting submissions and withholds endorsement if documents are incomplete.