EXIT ESSAY

The constitution is the fundamental law which mandates and recognizes the vital
role of the youth in nation-building to promote and protest the physical, moral,
emotional, spiritual and social well-being and indicate patriotism and nationalism as well
as encourage youth participation in public and civic affairs. This is concerned on about
one-third of the countrys population which is approximately 27 million youth (Sandoval,
G., Mangahas, M., & Guerrero, L. L., n.d), which can make a difference and can
contribute in nation-building, engage in meaningfully and channel insights, energies and
talents to useful and needed areas where they can uplift and assert their rights and
ensure a better future. A youth legislation body, the Sangguniang Kabataan or SK is
supposed to be a training ground for the countys future leaders giving them a hands-on
experience in politics and a chance to be heard; however, for more than two decades of
existence in its present set up in the local government, its genuine purpose as stated in
Section 423-429 of the Local Government Code was not efficiently met. Thus, it is
beneficial and practical that Sangguniang Kabataan and all its amendments and
provisions should be totally abolished.
In letting the youth participate in local governance as provided by law, it is noted
that among the key findings of the studies conducted by the University of the Philippines
as commissioned by the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) that the SK
performance is generally weak (Balanon, F. A., Ong, M., Torre, B., & Puzon, M., 2007).
There is actually a mismatch between the needs of the youth and actual and
corresponding SK projects, which are mostly sports such as basketball games,
environmental advocacies such as tree planting, beauty contests and talent shows. The
Sangguniang Kabataan was established for a primary purpose to formulate programs
that are essential and would answer and address actual needs of the youth which are
education, health, livelihood and vices. This is actually supported by psychosocial
studies particularly that of Erik Erikson (1959), because SK members are the youth who
are more focused on building on their own identities and social relations with peers
rather than solving problems with a wide community-based youth legislation. With these
points, the Sangguniang Kabataan serves no purpose.
On the other hand, some still believe that the youth participation as stated in
Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution that SK is the best manifestation and means to
enhance and develop the youth to promote the right to take part in the government of
the country as well as equal access to public service (Gamboa, 2013). The
Sangguniang Kabataan is where the youth can practice actual decision-making and
policy making and most of all, this youth legislation serves as an outlet wherein the
youth can express their ideas and creative thinking, which serves as a training ground
to become future leaders of the country.
However, the youth participation in governance is not tantamount to
Sangguniang Kabataan and there are available facets and mechanisms wherein the
youth can participate actively. The states policy recognizing the role of the youth in
nation building envisioned under the Constitution is not the mere participation in the
Sangguniang Kabataan. The participatory involvement of the youth is not limited to the
political arena and there are avenues waiting to be explored where the youthful insights
can be attained such as party-list systems and ABS-CBNs Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo.
Nonetheless, it has turned into a breeding ground for traditional politics where
instead teaching the value of leadership, it is corruption that is taught to the youth at an
early age. According to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chair, Sixto Brilliantes
that SK candidates resorted to the hakot system of herding supporters to local
Comelec offices to register, which is a bad practice for their early age (Tubeza, 2013).
Other than just churning out younger corrupt future politicians, the SK has also been
known to be the training ground for political dynasties, a place where politician families
can put their kids to learn about politics until they are of age and can take over the
family business (Katigbak, 2013). This seems rather unfair to those who truly want to
run for the SK because of a genuine interest in politics and serving the people. They
stand no chance running against candidates who are backed by their political families. It
is just another place for politicians to gain a stronger foothold.
In addition, the budget of the Sangguniang Kabataan together with the barangay
election is 3.4 billion on election expenses alone and not to mention its 10 percent share
on barangay funds (Balanon, F. A., et al, 2007). With the Philippines being a third world
country, the amount allocated to the Sangguniang Kabataan is absolutely which can
reach up to hundred thousands of pesos depending on the barangay funds. With the SK
at hand, enormous amounts of money are being managed by the unripe minds of the
youth (Macaraig, 2013). If this budget will be channeled into other avenues that can
develop the youth, the constitutional mandate can be further implemented and other
youth-related issues will be addressed.
The Sangguniang Kabataans goal is noble; however, it has been distracted from
its vision and goals. For twenty years, the Sangguniang Kabataan existed and twenty
years is much a long time to want change to happen. The SK may have executed their
duties properly and devotedly but most people cannot feel it collectively that is why this
issue emerged. Taxpayers money is being wasted; thus, useless allocation of funds
must be transferred to where it is needed the most. Given the arguments presented
above, the Sangguniang Kabataan must and is necessary to be abolished.



















References:

Balanon, F. A., Ong, M., Torre, B., & Puzon, M. (2007, January 1). The Impact of Youth
Participation in the Local Government Process The Sangguniang Kabataan
Experience. www.pstcrrc.org. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from
www.pstcrrc.org/docs/The_Impact_of_Youth_Participation.pdf

Erikson, E. H. (1959). Identity and the life cycle: selected papers. New York:
International Universities Press.

Gamboa, R. (2013, July 23). Is SK the best way to train youth in governance? |
Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com. philstar.com | Philippine
News for the Filipino Global Community. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from
http://www.philstar.com/business/2013/07/23/1000361/sk-best-way-train-youth-
governance

Katigbak, T. (2013, July 10). Time to abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan | Opinion,
News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com. philstar.com | Philippine News for the
Filipino Global Community. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from
http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2013/07/10/963744/time-abolish-sangguniang-
kabataan

Macaraig, A. (2013, September 3). Senate panel to push for one-year SK polls
postponement. News | Multimedia | Citizen Journalism | Social Media -
RAPPLER. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from
http://www.rappler.com/nation/38010-senate-panel-sk-postponement

Sandoval, G., Mangahas, M., & Guerrero, L. L. (n.d.). The Situation of the Filipino
Youth: A National Survey. Social Weather Stations. Retrieved September 3,
2013, from http://www.sws.org.ph/youth.htm

Tubeza, P. (2013, August 2). Brillantes: Abolish barangays, SK | Inquirer News.Inquirer
News | Latest Philippine News for Filipinos. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/457151/brillantes-abolish-barangays-sk