By: Judy Mae Magdato-Sajo
REPUBLIC Act No. 10742 “The Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015” provides that any SK official, whether elected or appointed, cannot assume position unless they undergo mandatory training.
As such, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Antique Provincial Office partnered with the Liga ng mga Barangay Antique Chapter, Provincial SK Federation and the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) to conduct a mandatory training for SK treasurers and secretaries on Sept. 2-6, 2019.
Representatives from these organizations form part of the Provincial Management Team (PMT) which spearheads the conduct of the mandatory training in the province.
“Three SK preparatory/coordination meetings were held last May 24, June 14, and Aug. 28 to strengthen the PMT and to ensure the smooth conduct of the activity”, according to Jessana Carmela Tatoy, DILG-Antique Provincial SKMT Focal Person.
More than 1,000 participants, all fully appointed SK treasurers and secretaries from 590 barangays of Antique, are expected to undergo the training.
The municipality of Caluya, being a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA), however will hold the training separately, in Poblacion, Caluya tentatively on Sept. 12.
The SKMT is part of the national government’s thrust to prepare and capacitate SK officials in performing their roles.
Failure to attend the training without valid reason may constitute sufficient grounds to the disqualification of any SK official or subject them to disciplinary actions.
“We are encouraging the participants to coordinate with the Provincial Management Team thru their Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, LYDOs or LnB for concerns with regard to this training”, DILG Antique Director Cherryl Tacda said.
The training will cover three modules, namely: (1) Decentralization, Local Governance, SK History and its Salient Features; (2) Meetings and Resolutions, Planning and Budgeting; and (3) Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Official and Employees.
Oath-taking ceremonies will be conducted after the SKMT. Only SK officials that have completed the mandatory training may take their oath.
