SEVERAL government officials including cabinet secretaries and senators took time to impart knowledge and wisdom to the young leaders to better fulfill their responsibilities and properly serve their constituents.
The delegates of the National Youth Convention underwent a series of seminars for leadership development and capacity training to be better equipped when doing their responsibilities as public servants.
Held at the Philippine Military Academy at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, several government officials took time to impart wisdom to the delegates composed of Sangguniang Kabataan youth leaders and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets from the learning institutions.
On their part, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reminded SK youth leaders to utilize funds allocated to them efficiently and properly.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that they should prioritize their funds on projects and programs for youth development.
“The budget should be allocated and spent properly. We don’t have to waste money, we only spend on what we need, and also for our priority projects and programs,” according to Sec. Amenah Pangandaman, Department of Budget and Management.
Pangandaman added that SK leaders can be guided on the proper allocation of funds through the government’s Philippine Development Plan.
Sen. Dela Rosa urges SK leaders to prioritize anti-insurgency campaign
On the other hand, Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa emphasized that it’s about time that the SK Officials should prioritize their funds on the anti-insurgency campaign.
This, according to the senator, is to finally end the communist’s illegal recruitment of young people.
“It’s about time that SK [Sangguniang Kabataan] focuses on that too. SK should interfere in that issue. Since they are the Sangguniang Kabataan, they should look after the welfare of the youth,” Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Republic of the Philippines stated.
“It’s about time that SK should prioritize this. Not just social activities but also this information drives educating the youth about the deception being taken by the left,” Dela Rosa added.
DILG asks SK officials to prioritize health, anti-drug programs for youth
Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) also made a call to the SK leaders for the prioritization of projects.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos urges SK officials to focus on projects that promote health, anti-illegal drug programs, and other initiatives.
“HIV is a big challenge. 50 cases new cases a day. It’s not a joke. We could do something about this. Nutrition, we could help the Department of Health. Education is also important especially drugs in the field of technology,” Sec. Benhur Abalos, Department of Interior and Local Government said.
Sen. Gatchalian to SK leaders: Lead by example
Senator Win Gatchalian, on the other hand, encouraged the young officials to lead by example and encouraged them to listen to the experienced ones and apply what is good for their leadership.
“Leadership by example is most important to me, especially our SK Federation presidents. It’s our leaders. So their constituents voted for them so they must show that they are worthy. They are good examples and I say have credibility,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Republic of the Philippines said.
The National Youth Convention organized by the National Youth Commission is the biggest assembly of young leaders coming from different parts of the country.
