By Venus May H. Sarmiento
PIA-Dagupan Infocenter

THE National Youth Commission based in Malacañang has come up with several proposals that may pose serious changes to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) setup.

With the upcoming registration of new voters for the SK elections, the NYC proposed to the Comelec that the youth voter registration be conducted in the barangay halls instead of the crowded city or municipal halls.

NYC Chairman Richie Nalupta, himself a product of SK, said the suggestion stems from observations of some consulted youth groups that past city and municipal - level registrations make it difficult for residents of far-flung barangays to enlist due to long distances, resulting in a low turn-out of registrants. Barangay level registrations, however, have encouraged a number of new voters, it was observed.

The proposal also sought a higher age bracket requirement for would-be SK officials, from 15-17 years old to 15-21 which is supported by a study conducted by the UP Center for Integrative and Developmental Studies (UP-CIDS). This provision is included in the SK Reform Bill which the NYC continues to lobby for approval in both houses of Congress.

Yet another salient provision of the bill that may earn the ire of politicians is the prohibition for candidacy in a Sanggunian Kabataan post of relatives of elected or appointive officials up to the 4th degree of consanguinity and affinity .

Nalupta said she sees value in the proposals to reform the existing system, as these measures, she said, 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 with these changes, the Sangguniang Kabataan will truly be a training ground for young government leaders.” Nalupta said. (PIA-Pangasinan)