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The Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law: Strengthening Youth Representation in Governance The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Law, officially known as Republic Act No. 10742, was enacted in 2016 to address long-standing issues in the Sangguniang Kabataan and to strengthen its role as a platform for youth representation and governance. This landmark legislation introduced significant changes to the SK system, aiming to promote accountability, independence, and inclusivity among youth leaders. Despite its reforms, challenges in implementation remain, highlighting the need for further evaluation and fine-tuning of the law.

One of the most significant features of the SK Reform Law is the institutionalization of anti-dynasty provisions. To prevent political dynasties from dominating the SK, the law prohibits candidates who are related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected official. This provision is a milestone in the fight against the politicization of the SK, ensuring that youth leaders are chosen based on merit and dedication rather than family influence. However, its enforcement remains a challenge, as loopholes and local political pressures sometimes undermine the provision's intent.

The law also requires mandatory training for SK officials, a response to previous criticisms about the lack of preparedness and professionalism among youth leaders. The training programs, conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with other agencies, cover topics such as leadership, governance, financial management, and crafting youth-oriented programs. While these initiatives are commendable, some areas face logistical issues, such as limited access to training materials and insufficient trainers. Addressing these gaps is essential to fully realize the potential of the training programs.

Another notable reform is the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), which serves as an advisory body to the SK. The LYDC includes representatives from various youth organizations, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making. This structure promotes inclusivity and encourages collaboration between the SK and community-based youth organizations. However, ensuring active participation and proper representation in the LYDC remains a challenge, particularly in areas where youth organizations are sparse or inactive.

The SK Reform Law also mandates financial accountability and transparency. Under the law, SK officials are required to submit annual financial reports and adhere to strict guidelines on fund utilization. The 10% allocation of the barangay’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for SK programs is now subject to auditing by the Commission on Audit (COA). While these measures enhance transparency, some SK units still struggle with financial management due to limited training and technical support.

To address the relevance of SK programs, the law emphasizes the importance of aligning projects with the needs of the youth. SK officials are now required to consult with their constituents and develop a three-year Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP) and an Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program (ABYIP). These tools ensure that SK initiatives are evidence-based and responsive to community needs. However, poor community engagement in some areas hampers the effectiveness of these plans.

The SK Reform Law also lowered the age bracket for SK officials from 15-17 years old to 18-24 years old. This change allows SK officials to enter into contracts and manage funds legally, addressing a critical limitation of the previous system. However, this has also raised concerns about inclusivity, as younger teens are no longer eligible to hold SK positions. Balancing legal responsibilities with broader youth representation remains a topic for further discussion.

Despite these improvements, the implementation of the SK Reform Law faces significant hurdles, including inadequate funding, limited public awareness, and political interference. Addressing these challenges requires stronger monitoring mechanisms, enhanced collaboration between national and local government agencies, and increased investment in youth development programs.

In conclusion, the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law represents a major step forward in addressing the systemic issues that have long plagued the SK. By introducing anti-dynasty measures, mandatory training, financial accountability, and participatory governance structures, the law has laid the groundwork for a more effective and inclusive youth governance system. However, continuous evaluation, policy adjustments, and robust implementation efforts are necessary to maximize its impact and ensure that the SK truly empowers the youth to be active agents of change in their communities.

References: Republic Act No. 10742. (2016). Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act. Department of the Interior and Local Government. (2017). Guidelines for the Implementation of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act. Commission on Audit. (2021). Audit Reports on Sangguniang Kabataan Funds. Mabunga, R. (2020). Youth Governance in the Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities Post-SK Reform. Philippine Political Science Journal