SK National Congress

Led by National Federation president Jane Censoria del Rosario-Cajes from Bohol, the 2009 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Congress was held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Zambales last October 27-30, 2009.

Dubbed “SK: Ako ang Pagbabago,” the congress tackled current youth issues and concerns of SK Federation and youth leaders. The SK National Congress is held yearly in compliance with the Katipunan ng Kabataan and Sangguniang Kabataan Constitution to promote the interests and welfare of the Filipino youth. More than 4,000 SK delegates from all over the country attended the Congress.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the event as keynote speaker. In her speech, the President said that it is the youth of this nation who have the energy to make their dreams come true. The Arroyo administration has always enlisted the participation of the youth in the Philippine Reform Agenda, which focuses on economy, education and environment.

The President led the awarding of the Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Awards and Recognition (OSKAR) with the assistance of Cajes. OSKAR is an award given to Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan members whose achievements and projects created an impact beneficial to their localities.

The importance of the Sangguniang Kabataan in achieving the government’s programs and projects, especially the Green Philippines campaign launched last year, was also emphasized. Sub-themed “Thinking Green,” the congress also focused on the youths’ participation in the protection and preservation of the environment.

Noting that people under 30 make up more than half of the population, Arroyo also said that the youth sector is indispensable in the fight against climate change and in the preservation and protection of the environment.

A national simultaneous SK Tree Planting Day, national coastal clean-up and awareness raising day and production and distribution of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) materials related to environment were given highlights for the whole year.

The youth council also signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Disaster Coordinating Council in relation to the youth’s participation and readiness trainings in time of disasters and calamities.

After her speech, the President turned over a check for P10 million to the SK national federation to serve as equity for the projects of the organization as approved by the SK council.

Aside from President Arroyo, other government officials who attended the event are Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairman Sergio Osmena-Valencia and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Ephraim Genuino. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza and presidential candidates Manuel Villar, Richard Gordon and Francis Escudero were also present.

Sangguniang Kabataan is the barangay’s youth legislature. It initiates policies, programs and projects for the youth. The SK National Congress was supported by the SK National Executive Board.

For more information about SK, you may visit their official website at http://www.skpilipinas.com.