NYC to oversee SKs under SK Reform Act

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431452826035/nyc-to-oversee-sks-under-sk-reform-act
• Monday, January 18, 2016

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA-9)

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) – Under the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Law, the National Youth Commission (NYC) will now be the frontline agency to oversee the SKs in the country.

This was disclosed by Assistant Secretary Earl P. Saavedra, NYC commissioner for Mindanao, in a meeting held here Thursday with the members of the Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC)-9.

Saavedra also told the RYAC members that the NYC’s two major thrusts now are the SK Reform Law and the Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022.

The NYC also seeks to reach out to out-of-school youth (OSY), not only by bringing them back to school but by giving them livelihood training to capacitate them.

In a related development, the new SK law has included an anti-dynasty provision which bars relatives of local elected and appointed officials up to second level consanguinity and relatives of national and appointed officials from sitting as youth council officials.

The measure also requires the SK officials to undergo leadership training programs, and the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) to be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community, student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

It was also learned that the new SK act adjusts the age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-14 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.