Bukidnon Rep. Manuel Antonio Zubiri has sought the passage of a measure seeking the creation of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) centers in all cities and municipalities to serve as hubs promoting the youth’s well-being and growth.
The House Assistant Majority Leader said the government should create an environment conducive for the youth for them to pursue their activities as represented by the SK and as guided by the principles and ideas deemed beneficial for them by the State.
“While Republic Act 10742 has established reforms in the SK, it remains that the SK is left with no practical venues to call their own which will encourage the youth and the SK itself to pursue their youth programs,” Zubiri said.
What is instead currently mandated by the law is the creation of a youth development office which may be put under any office deemed appropriate by the local government unit (LGU), he said.
“However, it is a fact that resources and facilities of the local government itself is finite especially when being used to serve all its constituents. This leaves a void for a focused activity center mainly for the youths and by the SK,” the House leader said.
Zubiri, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, filed House Bill No. 8033 or the "Youth Hub Act” proposing the nationwide creation of SK centers which will serve as youth hubs “in order for the youth to concentrate in their activities which will promote their well-being and growth.”
“This same establishment can also serve as the office of the SK which will enable it to perform its duties and responsibilities as established under current laws,” he said.
According to him, the centers will also serve as a converging point of all activities relating to the youth and their growth as responsible and law-abiding citizens of the State.
Under HB 8033, establishment of the SK center or youth hubs shall be prioritized in municipalities or cities where the most number of youths are recorded.
The bill tasks the Department of Public Works and Highways to set the priority list where such SK centers or youth hubs will first be established in accordance with a published criterion.
Zubiri’s bill provides that the amount necessary for the establishment of the centers shall be taken from the current appropriations of the DPWH.
Such other amounts necessary to completely accomplish the establishment of the SK centers shall be included in the next appropriation of the concerned department.