NYC proposes changes to improve SK
The National Youth Commission (NYC) has proposed some changes that will improve the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the light of the upcoming registration for new voters for the SK elections. The SK new voter's registration will started last July 15 until 22, 2007.
Among the changes that the NYC has proposed are: that the COMELEC conduct the registration of new SK voters in the barangay halls instead of crowded city or municipal halls; toincrease the age requirement of would be-SK officials from 15 to 17 years old to 15 to 21 years old and; the prohibition of relatives of elected or appointive officials up to the 4th degree of consanguinity and affinity who intend to run for SK posts.
The NYC said based on the observations of some consulted youth groups, previous city and municipal level registrations prohibit residents of far-flung barangays from enlisting due to distance while barangay level registration have encouraged growth in number of new voters.
On the other hand, according to NYC, the proposal for the increase in age requirement is supported by a study conducted by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS) and included in the SK Reform Bill, which they continuously lobbied for approval in both houses of Congress.
NYC Chairman Richie Nalupta sees value in these proposals to reform the existing system as these measures would aid greatly in providing a venue where the youth can truly participate in governance.
"These reforms will strengthen the institution, and give credibility to a much maligned political body. We believe that these changes, the Sangguniang Kabataan will truly be a training ground for young government leaders," said Nalupta who himself is a product of the Sangguniang Kabataan.
(PIA)