COTABATO CITY (November 8, 2023) – More than 15,000 recently-elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set to undergo an intensive SK Mandatory Training (SKMT) this year “to enhance their capability to perform the official duties and functions concomitant to their elective positions.”
The SKMT is required for both SK officials and members of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) before they can assume office, pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 10742 or SK Reform Act of 2015 and Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BLGC).
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, a total of 671 SK officials from seven towns in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte underwent SKMT in Cotabato City.
The training ensures that the newly-elected SK officials are fully prepared knowledgeable of their roles and responsibilities. It also aims to equip them with the essential skills required to fulfill their duties effectively as SK officials.
Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding of Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and Special geographic Areas urges the SK officials to lead as responsible and visionary youth leaders of the Bangsamoro.
“The Bangsamoro government needs a youth leader who demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, public service, integrity, and possesses a deep understanding of the struggles faced by the Bangsamoro community, encompassing both armed and political challenges,” Dunding stated.
During the training, BYC Project Development Officer Aira M. Ampatuan discussed essential topics such as The Bangsamoro, Moral Governance, and the Role of the SK in Shaping the Aspired Future of the Bangsamoro.
The Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) and BYC issued a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) for the guidelines of implementation of the SKMT.
About 3,000 SK officials from two Maguindanao provinces will undergo SKMT this week and next week. SK officials in other BARM provinces will also undergo SKMT in November – Basilan with 2,040 SK officials, Lanao del Sur with Marawi City with about 9,000, Tawi-Tawi with more than 2,000 SK officials, and Sulu with more than 3,000 SK officials. (BYC PR Unit/SAMN)
