In the Know: Sangguniang Kabataan

The Local Government Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7160) provides for a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), which is composed of a chair, seven members, a secretary and a treasurer.

The SK initiates youth-related programs designed “to enhance social, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual and physical development” of the youth and undertakes fund-raising activities.

Officials are allowed free education in public tertiary schools, including state colleges and universities, provided they are enrolled in an institution within or nearest their area of jurisdiction.

To qualify for the SK, candidates must be at least 15 years old but not older than 21 years old on Election Day. Their terms last for five years.

The powers and duties of the SK chair include calling and presiding over SK meetings; implementing policies, programs and projects within his jurisdiction in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay (village council); exercising general supervision over the affairs and activities of the SK and its members; and appointing, with the concurrence of SK, the secretary, treasurer and other officers as may be deemed necessary from among the members of the SK, among others.

The SK chair also enjoys the same privileges enjoyed by other sangguniang barangay officials, which include insurance benefits and free medical care.

Source: RA 7160, Comelec, DBM