BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Council of Samoki has again raised the bar of excellence at the national level as one of the Top 20 Finalists for the Bayanivation 2.0: Barangay Innovation Challenge.
Out of the 224 barangay-applicants nationwide, Samoki SK Council is the only qualifier in Mountain Province and one of the only three entries in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) that made it to the Top 20. The other two barangays in CAR that earned a place in the Top 20 Finalist are Barangays Pacdal and Irisan, both in Baguio City.
Bayanivation is a nationwide program that aims to spark civic innovation and digital transformation in local governance in the Philippines. Also, Bayanivation 2.0: Barangay Innovation Challenge is designed to empower barangay leaders to create innovative, impactful, and replicable solutions to local challenges. Winning teams will receive seed funding and additional technical support.
Samoki SK Council submitted its entry proposal “Establishing a Seedling Nursery to Produce and Plant Local Tree Seedlings That Improve Water Production and Help Treat the Local Water Source”.
In an interview with Samoki SK Chairperson Anton Zaren Nasungan, he mentioned that they came up with the proposal as the community has experienced a shortage of supply of water going to the households and the rice fields due to damaged and leakage in water pipes caused by landslides, especially during the rainy season. Likewise, there are instances that Samoki SK council experienced a shortage of seedlings in their tree planting activities.
Nasungan added that the nursery will be located in Tuchey, Samoki, near the water source of the said village. Likewise, they are looking forward to partnering with the various government agencies in the preparation of the site.
The nursery project is in support of the environmental sustainability programs, projects, and activities initiated by the Samoki SK Council such as tree planting, backyard gardening, clean-up drives, and clean and green campaigns.
He expressed high hopes that with the establishment of a tree nursery and availability of tree seedlings, series of tree planting activities to be conducted will contribute to the distribution of a sufficient and safe potable supply of water in the community.
Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey lauded the Samoki SK Council for their initiatives and added that their achievements would serve as inspiration to their fellow youth leaders. He added that the achievement gained by the Samoki SK council will motivate the creativity, resourcefulness, and initiative of other barangay leaders to act and decide on a solution in addressing certain issues or concern in their respective communities using any available resources.
Meanwhile, the Top 20 Finalists will undergo training on different government innovation methodologies and be mentored by experts and professionals on design, data analytics, prototyping, project management, and pitching. Also, they will receive financial support and seed funding for their projects.
By Alpine Killa- Malwagay & Christy Mae F. Che-es
