The Scout Officials for-a-Day (SOFAD) held different key offices in the Province of Benguet on October 9, 2017. Apart from the Provincial Government, other agencies participating in the said program include: The DPWH, DILG, NCIP, NIA, TESDA, BSU, DENR, PNP, among others.
In the Provincial Government of Benguet, Girl Scout Kimberly G. Bacdayan from Loo National High School took over as the SOFAD Provincial Governor and Boy Scout Ira Sadatek C. Borja of Benguet State University served as the SOFAD Vice Governor. Other scouts also took over as officials and department heads in the Office of the Provincial Governor and in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office.
Serving as officials for a day, the Scout Officials performed the tasks of the officials and officers that they substituted, including the executive functions of the Provincial Governor and the legislative functions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
SOFAD Vice Governor Ira Sadatek Borja, described his experience as inspirational and the most memorable and SOFAD Kayzel Grace Dioso, who took over as Secretary to the Sanggunian, found motivation and joy from the experience.
Provincial Vice Governor Florence B. Tingbaoen, wholeheartedly accepted that they were temporarily ousted from their respective positions because they strongly believe that the Scouts, the young generation, has the potential of becoming future leaders and have the capability to make a difference in the community. “Leadership is central to effective and sustainable implementation of programs, projects and activities in any organization. Therefore, an effective leader who knows how to live by example is crucial not only by his or her words but more so in his or her actions, not waiting for something in return because genuine leadership is never about personal interest but about responding to your responsibility to your fellowmen,” Tingbaoen expressed.
In order to be a Scout Official For A Day involves a selection process where in candidates from the various high schools of the province have to write essays and be interviewed by a panel. The scores that they accumulate determines the position that they are given.
According to the findings of a research by Ms. Djorina Velasco entitled Rejecting “Old Style” Politics? Youth Participation in the Philippines, in a poverty-stricken country like the Philippines, young people are well aware of the enormity of social ills. Most felt in their own lives, as they struggle to earn a living for their families.
The challenge to the country’s youth therefore, is to critically engage in political system, as flawed as it may be. The thrust for reforms will largely depend on the ability of democratizing forces to build a strong constituency that rejects “old style” political practices. – JUANITO ULMAN
