“Youth leaders need not be young."

Election is coming to town: As pandemic swollen in our country and slowly getting low risk, the election is approaching as the supporters of different groups arises.

A major point of debate is the age range of SK participants. Currently, Filipinos aged 15 to 17 years old from the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) electorate. It was the same age bracket for KB (Kabataang Barangay)-an organization in which the youth was recognized for the zeal and of their capacity in nation building.

 “You do not have to be young to be a youth leader,” said Senator Marcos. Too young to handle funds. Age is related to another major issue about the SK: handling money.

Paul Daniel Belmonte, SK National Federation (SKNF) vice president for Luzon, expressed concerns that 15-to-17-year-olds are seen to be very young, and not yet in legal age to enter into contracts, but then-Senate Bill68, authored by Senator JV Ejercito who was present at the hearing, seeks to change the age range to 18 to 24 years old.

Meanwhile, Senator Bam Aquino IV's SB 1090 wants it to be 15 to 24 years old, the same as the United Nation's definition of youth. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes Ir has earlier proposed an 18-30 age bracket. Republic Act No.8044, which created the National Youth Commission (NYC) in 1994, even widens the youth age range to 15-30.

“Since SK leaders have a vote on matters that could involve huge amounts of public funds, they are vulnerable to the influence of corrupt politicians or unscrupulous contractors," said Senator Marcos.

The Local Government Code mandates that 10% of a barangay's internal revenue allotment (IRA) be allotted to the SK Fund. This amounts to a total of about P6.1 billion for youth councils in over 42,000 barangays nationwide. Senator Marcos reiterated that the SK Fund should be used for solving youth-related issues, like teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and bullying. However, SK representatives in the hearing revealed that barangay officials block the release of these funds to them. Governor Marcos suggested that the 10% be automatically given solely to the SK, sanctioning barangays that would not comply.

As for the points given, it will certainly and depend on the personal capabilities of each SK member. It is not that it is to disregard others for the opportunity to serve the community, but it is a high risk that people are to put young people that are not that qualified in terms of political and of course moral aspects when it comes to Community living. Nevertheless, considering the points, we can say that each of the people is unique and has 100% different from others, so it is best to accept what others may offer in the service of the community, but also to regard the setting he is to settle himself in. As well said, “Youth leaders need not be young.”·