DILG reminds SK to start utilizing funds for youth welfare

DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. (Photo from his FB account)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday reminded Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to start utilizing their respective budgets in carrying out projects that promote the youth’s welfare.

Pending the issuance of the Commission on Audit’s guidelines on SK transactions, DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said SK officials may now start using their budgets provided that they comply with the requirements of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) issued in January 23 by the DILG, Department of Budget and Management, and the National Youth Commission.

READ: Youth group decries frozen SK funds

Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2019 provides guidelines on the appropriations, release, and budgeting process for the SK funds.

“The development agenda for the youth sector cannot be further delayed. SK officials in every locality should now get the ball rolling so that they can already carry out projects that are meant to promote the interests and welfare of the youth,” Malaya said in a statement.

He said the SK officials do not need to wait for guidelines from COA “because COA has given the SK the go-signal to use their funds in accordance with the JMC which in itself details the procedures on how they can disburse their respective budgets.”

“Any COA requirements to be issued outside of the JMC will be applied prospectively,” he said.

Malaya also advised SK chairpersons to open a bank account, preferably in a government-owned bank or in their localities, registered under the SK to facilitate the fund disbursement.

The SK chairperson and treasurer should likewise apply for fidelity bonding as the accountable officials, he said.

The SK Reform Act mandates that 10 percent of the general fund of barangays should be set aside for the SK, which shall be appropriated in lump sum and distributed solely “for youth development and empowerment purposes.”

The law further states that the SK shall have financial independence in its operations, disbursements and encashment of their fund, income and expenditures, according to the DILG.

Malaya said the DILG, through the National Barangay Operations Office, has directed its regional and field offices to monitor and report the utilization of SK funds. /jpv