NYC urges barangays to allot budgets for youth

NYC Updates

The National Youth Commission (NYC) urges the 42,027 barangays all over the archipelago to comply with Republic Act 10632 which allocates budget solely for youth development at the barangay level. This follows the postponement of the Sangguniang Kabataan elections with the passage of Republic Act 10632, According to Section 4 of the Republic Act 10632 known as the “Act Postponing the Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 28, 2013”, “the Sangguniang Barangay shall use the SK fund solely for youth development programs until the new set of officials have been duly elected and qualified”.

NYC has taken notice of recent news concerning the budget allocation for youth activities at the barangay level. “It came to our attention that some barangays have already passed their respective budget plans without allocations for youth and youth-related programs”, says Undersecretary Leon Flores III, Chairman of the NYC. “While the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) has yet to be signed by COMELEC and DILG, we would like to remind all barangays that the law clearly earmarks budget for the youth. Those who so violate or intend to violate such provision should be forewarned.”, adds Chairman Flores.

It is clearly stated in the law that Barangays are compelled to apportion certain percentage of its budget and income to fund activities that will train, capacitate and enhance the youth. “Temporarily even without the SK, it is still the government’s mandate to provide avenues for youth participation and development. We would like to highly encourage youth organizations to engage their barangays actively so that youth programs can be implemented strategically and effectively. For now, it is encouraged that the barangays create a Committee on Youth Affairs to be headed by a Barangay Councilor and a Barangay Youth Development Task Force that enjoins youth organizations.”, Chairman Flores further implores.

The NYC also clarifies that the SK has NOT been abolished. There will be an election late this year or until early next year to give time for Congress to pass a legislation that will reform the institution. Should Congress fail to enact such reform law, according to RA 10632, SK elections will still be held using the old system. “There is no truth that the SK has been abolished” Flores adds. The NYC has an SK Empowerment Desk that will still allow the youth and barangays to send their clarifi cations, questions or even complaints on the implementation of RA 10632. The SK Empowerment Desk will also ensure that the filed concerns will be directed to the proper authorities for their response.

For further queries or clarifications, you may reach the SK Empowerment Desk at the email address: skempowermentdesk@nyc.gov.ph or through mobile number: 0908-867-4964 within office hours.

The National Youth Commission as the voice and advocate of the youth is the government agency mandated to craft and recommend policies on youth development pursuant to Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act.