DILG, BukSU collaborate again for 2021 SK Mandatory Training

MALAYBALAY CITY (OP-IPS) The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Bukidnon State
University have collaborated again for the conduct of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Mandatory Training for Local Government Units in Bukidnon.

DILG has tapped BukSU as a Learning Resource Institute Partner for the training created to provide the SK with the basic and necessary knowledge and abilities in executing their duties and responsibilities as SK officials. About 650 officials of the SK from around Bukidnon attended the training in two batches, one on August 26 and another on September 2, 2021. Distinguished speakers shared on six key SK competencies presented in a day-long session via Zoom Webinar.

DILG-Bukidnon first tapped BukSU as partner in the 2018 leg of the mandatory training, which is one of the reforms pushed in the SK Reform Act of 2015 or Republic Act 10742. As cited in the law’s implementing rules, the purpose of requiring the training is to emphasize the role of the youth in nation-building and molding them to become better citizens with the values of patriotism, nationalism and honor as a Filipino.

Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, DILG Bukidnon provincial director, hit the ball rolling in the first session on
“Decentralization & Local Governance.” He presented the implications and advantages of decentralization, and local governance to Sangguniang Kabataan.

Libot pointed out the four areas such as governances, its definition, major characteristics, and structure of the local unit. He concluded his presentation by encouraging the attendees to abide by the saying “Ang Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan,” since youth involvement implies effective administration.

Ms. Karenne B. Ańover, Cluster Head of the National Youth Commission, spoke about “SK History and Its Salient Features” in Session 2. She used a video presentation to describe the history of SK evolution. She also emphasized on the appropriation portion of the SK operation handbook, which covers SK officials’ privileges, succession and vacancy filing, as well as suspension and removal from office. She concluded by emphasizing on the SK officials ‘roles, responsibilities, and functions.

The Dean of BukSU’s Office of Student Services, Dr. Lorenzo B. Dinlayan III, stressed on the need to follow
parliamentary procedures when having a meeting for the third session. He highlighted the steps in meeting preparation, presiding over a meeting, handling meeting minutes, and formulating a resolution. He emphasized the need for discipline and punctuality in all scheduled meetings for SKs. Dr. Dinlayan used questions and poll to make the session more interactive. He even gave a copy of his book as prize for a winner in this session.

Ms. Maria Rhesa C. Canoy, President of the Bukidnon League of Budget Officers, opened the afternoon session with her topic on “Planning and Budgeting for SK.” She referred to Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1 for 2019, which contains procedures for the appropriation, release, planning, and budgeting of SK funding. She emphasized that the Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program (ABYIP) must include particular programs, projects, and activities, as well as project costs and fund flows. This is to get a rough idea of when the money should be released. She also mentioned that the SK is responsible and accountable to utilize and disburse the funds.

BukSU’s Legal Consultant and Data Protection Officer, Atty. Ophelia Pilar E. Rubio-Zamora discussed the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.” This covers the SK’s responsibilities as public officials, as well as banned behaviors and transactions, as well as the principles that a public official and youth leader should have. Her activity included a situational analysis. She also highlighted Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, and Makabansa as Filipino basic characteristics that an SK official should possess.

Ms. Josephine G. Murillo, COA LGSC Bukidnon’s Supervising Auditor, presented “Accounting Guidelines Pertaining to the Proper Recording and Reporting of SK Funds.” She emphasized on the SK operation’s essential rules and policies, as well as the disbursement and encashment of its finances, and its income and expenditures. She also highlighted that the treasurer’s responsibilities are extensive. She stressed, however, that treasury is not the sole responsibility of the treasurer.

“When it comes to budget planning, use, and liquidation, everyone is responsible for any problematic transactions,” she said. As a result, all SK officials should be familiar of the guidelines pertaining to the proper recording and reporting of SK funds.

Dr. Joy Mirasol, BukSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations, delivered the closing remarks. She thanked DILG and the guest speakers for helping shape the dedication of the SK officials through their vital contributions. She also mentioned that COVID-19 made everyone adapt to the new normal and this includes leading in excellence in the new normal amidst the setbacks. She concluded by stating that SK officials are leading the transformation and should be the forerunners in creating a livable community in the midst of the health crisis.

Participants from Valencia, Maramag, Damulog, Kalilangan, Kibawe, San Fernando, Dangcagan, and Quezon were among those who attended the first batch. Participants from Talakag, Baungon, Cabanglasan, Don Carlos, Impasugong, Kadingilan, Kibawe, Lantapan, Libona, Malaybalay, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Pangantucan, and Sumilao attended the second batch. (Joanna Ruth S. Paloma, Extension Unit)