ABSTRACT
This qualitative descriptive study examined the implementation, outcomes, and the policy recommendations of the Sangguniang Kabataan in the Municipality of Cabatuan, Iloilo. Eight Sangguniang Kabataan Officials and youth leaders were selected via purposive sampling as participants of the study. Data were gathered through use of semi-structured interview guide with SK Officials. Data gathered were triangulated via focus group discussion with youth leaders. Findings revealed that the SK in Cabatuan generally complied with the legal mandate, particularly in organizing youth-oriented programs in sports, education, health, and community engagement. Challenges such as limited funding, administrative constraints, and varying levels of youth participation affect program implementation and sustainability. Outcomes indicated positive contributions to youth empowerment, leadership development, and civic involvement within the municipality. Strengthening capacity-building, LGU coordination, and youth engagement improves SK governance effectiveness. Relevant policy recommendations were formulated.
Keywords: Sangguniang Kabataan Program, implementation, outcomes, policy recommendation
INTRODUCTION
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the research framework, incorporating the study's background, the specific problem statement, and underlying assumptions. It further details the research's significance, the defined scope and constraints, and a glossary of key terms.
Observations of youth programs and community activities at the barangay level underscore the significant role of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in promoting youth participation, leadership development, and community involvement. However, the efficacy of these programs is intrinsically linked to how the allotted budget is planned, managed, and utilized to support priority initiatives. The success of the SK as a governing body relies not only on the intent of its programs but on the strategic fiscal management required to translate those plans into tangible community benefits.
According to the DILG (2022), engaging the youth in governance is vital for cultivating leadership skills and fostering a sense of civic duty at the local level. In the Philippine context, this involvement is formally structured through the Sangguniang Kabataan. Originally created by the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. 7160) and later enhanced by the SK Reform Act of 2015 (R.A. 10742), this body serves as the official representative for young citizens in every barangay.
These legislative frameworks task the SK and the Katipunan ng Kabataan with spearheading initiatives focused on youth empowerment and active community participation.
In the Municipality of Cabatuan, the Sangguniang Kabataan serves as a partner of barangay and municipal governments in implementing programs related to education, sports, health, environmental protection, and civic participation. While these initiatives are intended to enhance youth engagement and leadership, concerns remain regarding the consistency of policy implementation, the judicious utilization of resources, and the overall impact of SK programs on long-term youth development.
The existing hurdles in the sector underscore the necessity of evaluating the impact of local government structures on youth-led initiatives (DILG, 2022; NYC, 2021). As a vital demographic in the Philippines, the youth are officially defined by the National Youth Commission as those between 15 and 30 years old (NYC, 2021). Furthermore, the 1987 Philippine Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 13) reinforces this significance by explicitly mandating the state to recognize and harness the potential of young people in the process of nation-building.
Despite this mandate, the Sangguniang Kabataan has faced criticisms related to limited program impact, weak leadership capacity, and issues in fund utilization, raising concerns about its effectiveness as a mechanism for youth empowerment (Balanon, 2015; DILG, 2022).
Considering these concerns, it is necessary to evaluate how the Sangguniang Kabataan carries out its mandate at the local level. This study therefore assessed the policy mandate, implementation, and outcomes of the Sangguniang Kabataan in the Municipality of Cabatuan.
The findings of this study aimed to provide insights that may contribute to improving program implementation, strengthening youth governance, and enhancing the role of the Sangguniang Kabataan as an effective instrument for youth empowerment.
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