Bontoc, Mountain Province –Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in this capital town who were elected during the special SK election conducted in January 2019 took their oath of office on April 25, 2019.
Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey who administered the oath-taking of the SK officials highlighted public service in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities over personal interest.
He said that elected SK officials were put in the position by the people, because they believe in their capabilities in responding to the needs of their respective barangays, especially the youth sector.
Odsey likewise encouraged the participants to take their positions as an avenue to continue learning and undergo training adding that that the knowledge and skills that they will acquire will surely help them in the discharge of their duties and functions as SK officials and in their daily lives.
The mayor also assured the full support of the municipal government to the programs to be undertaken by the SK officials catering to youth empowerment and development
Prior to the oath-taking, the SK officials underwent a one-day SK Mandatory Training as a pre-requisite before they can assume office.
Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Caridad Basilio said that the training aims to prepare the SK officials on the responsibilities that they are expected to perform as they assume their office and empower SK officials to exercise good governance.
Relative to this, Municipal Legal Officer Seichi Ofo-ob and Sangguniang Bayan Member Alsannyster Patingan explained to the participants the Focus on Decentralization and Governance and Salient Features of the SK Reform Law emphasizing on the duties and functions of SK, privileges, and ground for removal from office. Municipal Youth Development Officer –Clifton Changat discussed the Conduct of Meetings and Resolution Making; MLGOO Caridad Basilio gave emphasis on the Code of Ethics for Government Officials; Municipal Budget Officer Aida Lingbanan lectured on SK Planning and Budgeting; and Police Senior Inspector Faith Ayan Igualdo, the Chief of Police of Bontoc Municipal Police Station (MPS) talked about the Role of the Youth in the Campaign Against Illegal Drugs.
The training was facilitated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the MLGOO in coordination with the Liga ng mga Barangay and SK Federation President Sherwin Chamkas.
The budget for the conduct of the activity was sourced out from the SK Fund of every barangay as each participant has to pay a registration fee of P1, 000. The registration fee covers the supplies used in the training, T-shirt, training kit, meals, and snacks.
By Alpine L. Killa
