Reform and Empower SK

SK REFORM Coalition

The Sangguniang Kabataa REFORM Coalition pushes for the passage of SK reform bills in Congress; while at the same time works in building the capacities and capabilities of SK officials and networks (KK, LGUs, other youth organizations, etc) to effectively perform their duties and responsibilities. The Coalition not only exists to counter the SK abolition calls but to emphasize the need to develop good governance and principled leadership among the youth.

Our Objectives

1. fight the calls for SK Abolition
2. enact meaningful reform measures to the Local Government Code that created the SK
3. provide capacity and capability trainings/seminars/materials for SK and KK to effectively perform their duties and responsibilities
4. serve as a platform, convergence point for all this unity/objectives

Who We Are

The SK REFORM Coalition secretariat and founding members are composed of the following organizations:

1. SK officials and KK members (see complete list)
2. Akbayan! Youth
3. The First Time Voters Network (FTV)
4. The Youth and Students Sector of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC YS)
5. The Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN)

Our Programs

Recognizing the various aspects of catalyzing reforms in SK, we crafted a multi-pronged program approach. This program includes:

1. identifying the problem
2. institutionalizing and enacting SK reforms
3. Capacity and Capability program for SKs and KKs
4. Best Practice Documentation

vIdentifying the problem

The calls for the abolition of SK have been recurring. The best way to solve this problem is not turn a blind eye on the legitimate issues but to identify and address each of them. To do this, NAPC YS in partnership with DILG, UNICEF, NYC, SKNF, and CWC proposed a comprehensive national study on SK. This study was undergone by the PST Unit of UP CIDS.

The said study identified the following problems:

1.SK, Barangay, and LGU officials and their communities are not aware of the roles and functions of SK;

2.SKs have underperformed and were deemed insignificant, were limited in their work to ‘paliga’ or sports festivals, clean and green, and beauty contests;

3.SK officials are being used and corrupted

4.SK officials have conflict in their schedule with schooling

It was also highlighted in the study that:

1.the youth still see significance in SK and expressed willingness to participate in governance

2.the well performing SKs are the SKs which have the support of their barangay, LGU, non-governmental organizations, and other youth organizations (community, school, and church-based)

3.SKs who were informed of and trained with their duties and responsibilities were among those with best practices

Thus, the study recommended the following:

1.institutionalize or enact reform laws for the SK

2.intensify information drive on the functions of SKs, not only with the SK officials but also with the barangay and LGU officials, as well as their communities

3.reactivate the KK

4.create a support system for the SKs at the grassroots level; network them with other organizations and institutions

5.intensify and bring to the grassroots level capacity and capability training/seminars and materials

With these information in mind, the overall work that needs to be done, the issues that have to bee addressed has been identified.

vInstitutionalizing and Enacting SK Reform

Reforms, that were identified in the study, among others, can be advanced both in the legislative and executive branch of government. Because legislative reforms usually take a lot of time, other means of instituting reforms should be looked into.

One big step that has been taken was the SK study which brought together different national agencies. These national agencies and stakeholders are critical partners in institutionalizing reforms:

1.Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) particularly the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO)

2.The National Youth Commission (NYC)

3.The Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation (SKNF)

4.The Child Welfare Council (CWC)

5.The Youth and Students Sector of the National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC YS)

6.The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines

There are continuous partnerships and brainstorming sessions in advancing ‘little’ initiatives to reform and support the SK.

On the legislative side, NAPC YS, FTV, CYAN, and Akbayan Youth, in consultation with SK officials and KK members, drafted the SK Reform and Empowerment Bill of Akbayan, HB 0956, filled by Hon. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel.This bill is the reference bill in consolidating all SK reform bills in the House of Representatives. In Senate, the Coalition is still lobbying with Senators to sponsor or support SK reform bills. The coalition, continues to engage Sen. Nene Pimentel for a reconsideration of his position for SK abolition (SB 2155).

At the local level, affiliated SKs and local federation officials are tasked to sponsor and lobby for the passage of ordinances for the support of the passage of the SK reform bill.

vCapacity and Capability training programs for SKs and KKs

As it has been identified that SK has underperformed, one of the main reasons for its abolition, capacity and capability trainings/seminars/materials are being prioritized.

The SK Guidebook, produced by DILG-NBOO, NAPC YS, UNICEF, CWC AND NYC will be distributed in the regions. Trainings and seminars will be undertaken using the said guidebook.

Another SK seminar project which incorporates the components on leadership, social networking, resource mobilization, legislative training, government and CSO/NGO partnership, will be piloted in selected cities in the country.

vSK Best Practice Documentation

The SK best practice documentation project particular addresses the lack of literature on SKs impact on governance. It is also aim to debunk pro-abolition arguments that see nothing good about SKs and their work.

How can you help?

The steps are easy and there are options for you to choose from, it just depends on how much effort you’d like to put on SK reform work.

1. Sign the SK reform petition
2. Join the SK Reform coalition
3. partner with us in our projects

vSign the SK Reform Petition

·Sign the petition online

oVisit: www.onlinepetition/skreform/sign

·Write about SK Reform in your blog, in your local/school papers

oFor an example. Visit: www.skreform.blogspot.com

·Have your local councils, SK, SB, PB, sign a resolution supporting SK reform.

oFor the sample format, visit: www.skreform.blogspot.com/supportreso

vJoin the Coalition

If you are an individual, SK official or KK member, or part or representative of a youth or youth oriented organization who believe that SK should not be abolished rather REFORMED, strengthened and supported, you are most welcome to join the SK REFORM Coalition.

vPartner With Us in Our Projects

1.Organize a local SK Reform Coalition in your city or province

2.Organize an SK capacity and capability seminar in your locale

a.We have the forms and the materials, you just have to help us with the local logistics

3.Report SK Best Practice

a.Tell us what you think is an outstanding work of SKs in your locale, fill out the SK best practice report form and we will come over to document it. You will help a lot in supporting your SK, you will help a lot in helping others follow the good things that your SK did.

Contact us

Do you need to know more? Do you wan the details on how you can help out?

We will be glad to hear from you or your organization.

üThe Secretariat:

Marlon Cornelio,

Coordinator, SK REFORM Coalition

c/o Basic Sector Unit

National Anti Poverty Commission

Email: skreform@yahoo.com

Contact nos: (02) 4265195; 09184608956