History’s SK models

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

A bill has been filed in the Senate seeking the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan or the youth council as a part of local government units all over the country.

The measure was filed by Senator Aquilino Pimentel, who is considered the main author of what is called the Local Government Code. Before Pimentel, several other solons, both from the House of Representatives and the Senate, had also questioned the relevance of the SK, pointing out that they do not appear to be performing the roles in governance that are supposed to be their reason for being.

Over the past years, since the SK was instituted, the government has spent what could already be billions for their compensation. However, there does not seem to be any commensurate performance or outputs from the group. Maybe there are a few who did bring some benefits to their community, but, admittedly, they are the exceptions rather than the rule.

But one cannot entirely blame the non-performers, considering that, as required by law, they should only be between the ages of 15 and 17. These are the ages when they would be either in high school or in early college, and therefore have to prioritize their studies. But, since the opportunity to receive a sizable compensation, as well as the perks of an actual Sanggunian member if they get elected as head of their SK, is too inviting, the young people, teenagers that they are, are drawn to the position.

In fact, before the last SK election, a candidate, asked why he was running, answered innocently that his mother was the one who made him run because they needed the salary! How many others had the same motivation?

Yesterday, a historian, explaining his own objection to the SK, traced the practice of harnessing young people to the dictators of history such as Germany’s Adolf Hitler, Italy’s Benito Mussolini, and even our own Ferdinand Marcos. Not very inspiring models, and it is good that some of our lawmakers are finally realizing how this practice does not only waste government money, but could also infuse questionable attitudes and perceptions among our youth.*