Governor Edgar Chatto called on newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in Bohol to focus on addressing important issues in the community instead of on organizing amusement activities.

Chatto in his weekly press conference, “Kita ug ang Gobernador,” highlighted education, livelihood, environment, illegal drugs and teenage pregnancy as issues which youth leaders should help address.

SK members can focus on information campaigns to educate the public on the said concerns, Chatto added, noting that the young leaders’ role goes beyond just organizing basketball games, cultural activities and other entertainment events.

Chatto also urged SK officials to learn planning and the implementation of projects and programs including their budgeting.

The Department of Interior and Local Government is set to conduct a series of SK Mandatory Training (SKMT) sessions for new youth leaders in various barangays.

Republic Act 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 mandates the DILG, National Youth Commission and several other institutions to “jointly design and implement the SK mandatory and continuing training programs.”

Through the training, SK officials will be given lectures on decentralization and local governance, how to conduct meetings and craft resolutions, how to do planning and budgeting, and code of conduct and ethical standards of a public official.

For their part, barangay captains should guide SK officials in budgeting instead of deciding for them in making financial allocations, said Chatto. (rt)