TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of the Interior and Local Government or DILG-Tabuk City Field Office has issued a strong reminder to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to adhere to the mandated deadline for submitting their Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Annual Budgets.
The memorandum emphasizes the importance of compliance with Republic Act No. 10742, also known as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, which requires SK Chairpersons to submit their proposed budgets for review by October 16 of the preceding year.
City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) Helen Lacuesta, addressed all SK chairpersons in the city, stressing their obligation to follow the guidelines outlined in DBM-DILG-NYC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2019 that ensures that proposed budgets align with legal and financial standards through review by the City Budget Officer.
The memorandum detailed the status of compliance among barangays. As of January 8, 2025, barangays Bagumbayan, Cabaritan, Cabaruan, Calaccad, Cudal, Dilag, Dupag, Malalao, and Suyang have successfully submitted their SK CY 2025 Annual Budgets.
However, according to the CLGOO, a significant number of barangays remain non-compliant, including: Agbannawag, Amlao, Appas, Bado Dangwa, Balawag, Balong, Bantay, Bulanao, Bulanao Norte, Bulo, Calanan, Casigayan, Dagupan Centro, Dagupan Weste, Gobgob, Guilayon, Ipil, Lacnog, Lacnog West, Lanna, Laya East, Laya West, Lucog, Magnao, Magsaysay, Malin-awa, Masablang, Nambaran, Nambucayan, Naneng, New Tanglag, San Juan, San Julian, and Tuga.
Lacuesta warned that SK Chairpersons who fail to comply will face disciplinary action under Section 18 of Republic Act No. 10742. This section provides for the suspension or removal from office of SK officials who fail to formulate and approve their Comprehensive Barangay Development Plan and Youth Investment Program within the prescribed timeline, without valid justification.
“We urge the remaining SK Chairpersons to prioritize the submission of their annual budgets,” Lacuesta said. “Further delays could result in administrative sanctions that may affect their tenure and the implementation of vital youth programs, ” she further stated.
SK officials are encouraged to seek assistance from the City Budget Office or the CLGOO to ensure prompt submission and compliance. By Jesse Maguiya