Sangguniang Kabataan:

Showground for Youth Participation

The Case of Malabon City

Final Paper

Submitted 13 December 2014

by

Alcariza R. Peregrino

Submitted to

Prof. Lizette Gervacio

In partial fulfillment of the

Requirements for the graduate course on
Research Methods in Public Administration (PA 299.2)

National College of Public Administration and Governance

University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
Page 1 of 22
 Foreword

In the 22nd of July 2013 during the First Regular Session of the Sixteenth Congress, the
Senate and the House of Representatives enacted the Republic Act No. 10632 to
postpone the Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 28, 2013, amending for the
purpose Republic Act No. 9340 and for other purposes (senate.gov.ph). The biting wit is
that, apparently, no significant disagreement was raised against this move. It can be
recalled that proposals for the abolition of SK came as early as three (3) years ago,
when President Benigno Aquino III assumed office. However, the palace has no stand
yet whether or not SK should be abolished.

On September 20-29 of the current year, the Commission of Elections opened the
registration for SK Elections on February 21, 2015. However, the Commission itself has
been very vocal in proposing up to the legislative branch the postponement of SK
elections next year. While Chairperson Brillantes has been open to the abolition of the
said institution, he said that it would be practical for its election to be executed along
with the 2016 National Elections.

Political analysts and legislative experts forecast that the congress’ move to postpone
SK election while not allowing incumbent SK officials to keep their posts is as good as
giving up a chunk of hope to pass the SK reform bill. More so, if delays continue, it
would be a bad fate for the institution as the time passes. When the state can operate
normally for a year without youth participation, then we can probably continue doing it
for good. Conversely, the optimal question will be: In the next months to come, is it
abolition or reform?

Alcariza Peregrino1

1
Master of Public Administration Student – NCPAG, Graduate Councilor, NCPAG-SC, Corporate Staff Analyst –
National Power Corporation

Page 2 of 22
 Table of Contents
Title Page………………………………………………… 1
Foreword…………………………………………………. 2
Table of Contents……………………………………….. 3
Introduction……………………………………………… 4
Objectives of the Study…………………………..
Significance of the Study…………………………
Scope and Limitations…………………………… 5
Theoretical Framework………………………………… 6
Youth Participation……………………………….. 7
Sangguniang Kabataan………………………….. 9
Methodology…………………………………………….. 11
Research Design………………………………….
Sampling technique……………………………….
Data Gathering Technique………………………. 13
Case Backgrounder…………………………………….. 14
Findings………………………………………………….. 15
Conclusions and Recommendations………………….. 20
References……………………………………………….. 22

Page 3 of 22
 Introduction

Several studies have been conducted carrying out the importance of youth engagement
in the society. However, only a few grabbed the chance to consult the public and the
youth themselves on how they view their given platform for participation. In the fast
approaching 2016 elections which is eyed to be the last chance for SK to pursue reform,
researches on the perspective of the constituency is of vital importance. The findings
could be a great basis for the continuing tenure of Sangguniang Kabataan as well as
the development of appropriate reforms.

The paper aims to:

(a) Supply the historical narrative of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Malabon in

relation to projects and programs implemented to promote youth participation;
(b) Provide an assessment of the value and worth of SK in youth participation
through evaluation of projects and programs implemented;
(c) Present the perspective of SK constituents in youth participation in Malabon
with regards to quality of SK programs and projects.

This material provides a basis for the decision–making processes of the leaders in
Malabon City in relation to youth participation. Other cities in the metropolitan with the
same characteristics could also use this as a reference. This presents a documentation
of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) programs and projects in Malabon in relation to its
impact and worth in youth participation as perceived by its constituency. This locates
SK’s importance in promoting youth participation. This could further be the basis in
formulating future policies or schemes of reform recommendation towards the
development of SK programs and projects in Malabon. This could serve as a reference
material for SK in other urban cities with same situation and experiences with the city

Page 4 of 22
being assessed. It provides additional knowledge on the current undertakings of the
legislators on the Sangguniang Kabataan issue of abolition and reform.

As the paper presents the perspectives of the young people in Malabon towards SK, it
is important to note that the gathering of data and responses has gone through different
strategies. Some were able to respond on the papers on a person to person method.
Some respondents were gathered in an area to answer the questionnaires. There is a
possibility that the respondents’ answer on the latter method might be affected by peers.
Nonetheless, the researcher believes that the answers came from an age group who
can already decide on their own and can deliver valuable feedbacks as part of the facts
gathered in the whole process.

Page 5 of 22
 Theoretical Framework

The National Youth Commission (NYC) estimates that about a third of the whole country
population comes from the youth with ages 15-30. This is often referred to as ‘youth
bulge’2, as young people constitute a high and towering proportion of the world
numbers. Experts conclude that the rise of youth populace can be both a challenge and
an opportunity. It is in the hands of those who are in authority to make the increasing
youth numbers, productive and efficient.

Stakeholders must be able to understand that the chance to save our nation from the
cycle of poverty comes with giving the young people, a chance to participate in
democracy and development. Participation gives them access to information and
learning. It empowers them and encourages them to voice out their concerns. It opens
opportunities for them to meet their own subsistence need which will eventually help
them gain entry into better living conditions.

2
The Youth Participation in Development Summary produced by Restless Development and UN presented the
demographic imperative where nearly 50 % of the developing population is youth and children.

Page 6 of 22
Youth Participation

The main goal is to engage the youth in nation building and to treat them as partners
and co-anchors of development. The summary document produced by Restless
Development and the United Nations (UN) program on youth, adapted from World Bank
Development Report 2007, presented the ideal youth participatory practices

Figure 1: Three Lens Approach (http://www.yproject.org).3

The above-mentioned study presented that participatory practices should work for the
benefit of the youth (as target beneficiaries), with youth as partners, and “be shaped by
as YOUTH LEADERS”. Youth participatory practices must be seen in all three lenses
and that no part is exclusive over the other.

3
This is an assets approach to youth participation in development which appreciates and mobilizes individual or
group talents and strengths, rather than focusing only on deficits (needs), problems or threats and is referred to as
the ‘three-lens approach to youth participation’ (DFID-CSO 2010-2011).

Page 7 of 22
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) operates in an environment where it deals both with the
Local Governance, the politics within and its functionality in providing quality service for
the young people towards effective youth participation.

The realization of a number of its

Local Governance plan of actions partly depends on
the elder local leaders e.g.
Barangay Captains. This is in the
SK Federation sense that funds are released

Barangay Level through the approval of the

Governance chairman of the barangay. The
participation of the constituents

Sangguniang Kabataan mirrors the coordination of the SK

council to the Katipunan ng
Kabataan (KK) as the beneficiaries
Katipunan ng
Kabataan and target of the programs and
projects. SK Federations, on the
KK Perception on SK SK Projects and other hand, links SKs together. It
Projects in relation to Programs in relation to
Youth participation Youth Participation also provides platforms for the
youth to raise their legislative
Environment: Local Governance, Politics and Functionality
concerns to the Local Government.

Figure 2
The performance of SK depends on how they are well connected to the Barangay
Captain for funding, to the local government for legislative efforts and to the KK for
appreciation and realization of its programs.

Given the political environment, SK is in its battle to ensuring that the provision of
programs and projects for its constituents will be carried out without limitations and with
sufficient support.

Page 8 of 22
Although SK has been advertised as the podium for young people’s participation, it has
also been flaunted nowadays as the most basic arena for corruption and irregularities.
Before giving out termination for this institution, we might as well trace back the history
and the reasons for the establishment of Sangguniang Kabataan.

Sangguniang Kabataan
The young people in the
barangay level, referred to as the
Katipunan ng Kabataan
(KK) are represented by SK
Chairman with his/her councils.

The SK occupies a seat in the

barangay council having the
same responsibilities, rights and
privileges as any other member.
They are mandated to serve for
three years and receive a fund
allocation of ten percent (10%) of
the barangay fund which they can
use for the execution of youth
programs and projects.
4
Figure 2
Purposely, the functions of SK are5:
- Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth in the
barangay in accordance with applicable provisions of the code;
- Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural,
intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the members;
- Hold fund-raising activities;

4
The Impact of Youth Participation in Local Government Process: the SanggunniangKabataan Experience pp.19
5
RA 7160 - Local Government Code of 1991

Page 9 of 22
 - Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the barangay for policy
formulation and program implementation and,
- Coordinate with national agencies concerned for the implementation of youth
development projects and programs.

National Structure

Figure 3: Sangguniang Kabataan6

Created in 1995 as a national government agency, the NYC acts as the secretariat of
the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation; tasked to train youth leaders (UNICEF
2007).

6
The Impact of Youth Participation in Local Government Process: the SanggunniangKabataan Experience pp.20

Page 10 of 22
 Methodology
Research Design

This paper is an Evaluation Research. It presents an assessment of the quality and

importance of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Malabon in terms of youth
participation. It establishes the significance of past SK projects and programs
implemented in lieu of the promotion of youth participation. It pushes through the
consolidation of perceptions and views of the SK constituents on the SK choice of
projects and programs where they can participate.

The research scrutinizes effectiveness and efficiency of Sanggunniang Kabataan in

Malabon. It focuses on both Qualitative and Quantitative Study. It concentrates
largely on a Case Study by collecting records of the past Sangguniang Kabataan in
Malabon ranging from different programs and projects implemented in the year 2012. It
gathers and evaluates information through surveys and key informant interviews with
the youth constituency.

Sampling Technique

The youth in Malabon City from ages 15-17 in the year 2012 (19-21 yrs old in the year
2014) were the target of the survey for they are the ones who were covered by the
latest programs and projects implemented by the Sangguniang Kabataan during the
time when it was still in its operation phase. Key informant interviews were conducted
with stakeholders and partners for project implementation e.g. SK Chairperson and SK
Councilors, Barangay Captain, SK Federation, Barangay Treasurer etc. The latter is to
provide fair assessment.

While gathering secondary data on the past SK programs and projects implemented,
this research used a combination of Accidental or Convenience Sampling and
Snowball or Referral Sampling.

Page 11 of 22
Malabon has been chosen as the target area for the research for the reason that it is the
most accessible area to source information from and the most practical area to conduct
the study given the limited budget. The research wass conducted in three (3) Barangays
in Malabon namely Muzon, Baritan and Tinajeros with small, medium and large area
and population classification based on the references and as declared by Malabon City
Office. Answers were evaluated afterwards through categorization and were
summarized as a whole.

Lynch et.al. Formula was used to determine the number of young people to be
interviewed in the process.

Let:

‘n’ be the sample size

‘N’ be the population size
‘Z’ equate to 1.96 (the value of the normal variable for a reliability level of 0.95/95% in
obtaining the sample size)
‘p’ equate to .50 (proportion of getting good sample)
1-p equate to .50 (proportion of getting poor sample)

Given

N = 27, 6467
D = .10

7
The data came from the 2010 Census in Malabon City for youth of ages eleven (11) to fourteen (14) at the time
the census was conducted. The purpose of getting such youth range is to give way for the time difference when
census was conducted up to the period of the focus of the research which is in the year 2012. The time gaps would
mean that those young people ages eleven (11) – fourteen (14) during the census are the SK constituents of 2012
at ages fifteen (15) – seventeen (17). The data was verified through data gathering process via phone call with Mr.
Carlo Karganilla of the Census Planning and Operations Division of the National Statistics Office.

Page 12 of 22
n = 27,646 (1.96) 2 x .50 (1-.50) 276.46+ .9604
27,646 (0.10) 2+ 1.96 2x .50 (1-.50) = 26551.2184
= 27,646 (3.8416) x .25 277.4204
27,646 (.01) + 3.8416 x .25 = 95.70751971 or 96
= 106,204.8736 x .25

Getting the pulse of the young people on the effect of the SK projects and programs on
youth participation would require ninety-six (96) young people as target for the survey
interview. This means thirty-two (32) respondents surveyed per chosen barangay.

Data Gathering Technique

Secondary data were gathered from the National Census and Statistical Board for the
accurate population count. Some records were extracted from the Department of
Interior and Local Government’s result of the assessment of youth participation in
relation to SK as they have conducted a nation-wide survey and consultation with the
local barangay operations offices. SK federation and selected Barangay councils were
also tapped for the records and documentation of previous SK projects. Some
references on the theoretical framework were gathered from reliable websites and
publications as cited in the references section of this paper.

Informal Discussions were conducted with implementers of the project, some were
through phone interviews. This course included key informants who have been
contributors for the success or failure of SK programs including the Barangay Captains,
SK chairperson and officials themselves as well as partner program coordinators.

Surveys were conducted with the aid of capable assistants paid humbly to do a
volunteer work. Some respondents were asked individually through personal visits to
their homes. Respondents from chosen barangay were asked to fill up the survey forms
with the guidance of the helpers and volunteers. Some were gathered in an area
making the presentation of the survey material/questionnaire easier.

Page 13 of 22
 The Case of Malabon City

Eight cities in NCR had population density of more than 20,0008 persons per square
kilometer, one of which is the city of Malabon. In the Total population by Select Age
Groups and Barangay Census for the City of Malabon conducted in 2010, the SK
constituency ages fifteen (15) to seventeen (17) comprises about twenty thousand four
hundred and seventeen (20,417)9. They shared about six (6) percent of the total
population of Malabon which was three hundred fifty three thousand, three hundred
thirty seven (353,337).

The target barangays for this study constitutes the following youth numbers:
(11-14 of 2010 who were 15-17 of 2012)

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
Youth Population
Flores Acacia Muzon Niugan Ibaba Bayan-bayanan Hulong Duhat
Baritan Dampalit Maysilo San Agustin Concepcion Panghulo Santolan
Tanong Tinajeros Tugatog Potrero Catmon Tonsuya Longos

8
NSO-NCR Special Release, 2010 Census of Population and Housing – Final Release.
9
The youth of ages 11-14 encompasses about 27, 646, 8 percent of the 2010 Malabon’s population. This number
was used as basis for the computation of the target population because they are the constituents of SK in 2012
who were assumed to be at ages 15-17 on that year.

Page 14 of 22
 Findings

SK in the selected Barangays in Malabon developed the following projects10

Muzon
Scholarship Programs
Balik-Eskwela Distribution of School Supplies
Clean-up Drive (Anti-Littering Campaign)
Training Activities for Youth
Spraying/Misting for Dengue mosquito
Operation Tuli
Inter-sitio Basketball
Cultural Activities for the Youth
Baritan
Mural Painting
Livelihood Program Project
Purchase of Electronic Score Board
SK Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament
Purchase of School Supplies for Children
Sk Inter-Barangay Dance Contest
Tinajeros
Green Brigade
Livelihood
Capability Building
Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign
Educational Services and Moral Recovery Program
Health Services/Adolescent Reproductive Health
Sports Development Actiities
Cultural Development
Supplies and Materials Purchasing

10
Data gathered from the Barangay Offices

Page 15 of 22
Only thirty responders per Barangay have successfully provided their answers. Among
the ninety (90) responders; twenty-six (26) came from age nineteen (19), twenty-eight
(28) are twenty (20) years old and thirty-six (36) are twenty-one (21) years of age.

The following graph shows the ratio of the respondents in terms of participation:

35
30
25
20
Active
15
Inactive
10
5
0
Parrticipatio in SK

Fifty-five percent (55%) classified themselves as active participants in the Sangguniang

Kabataan Projects for the following reasons:

Because they follow directions from the leaders

Because they are active in the project implementation phase
Projects are interesting
SK leaders tried to reach out
Programs are helpful to beneficiaries

However, forty-five percent declared that they are not so active in participating in the
programs of SK due to the following:
Apathy, they chose to just stay at home
Lack of information dissemination in terms of projects and programs
Loss of trust to SK leadership
Personal Reasons (study, family business etc.)

Page 16 of 22
 Rating the Projects conducted by the SK in the selected Barangays, the
respondents gave an average grade of 2.9411 which corresponds to a neutral
verdict. Reasons for giving such are as follows:
Positive Negative
Trainings are valuable Lack of information
Provision of Free Services (Health, drive about the activity
Education, Sports etc.) are helpful Projects became
People benefited from the sources of corruption
projects Only few of the constituents
It diverted the attention of the youth from drug abuse benefited from the project
to more valuable activities Nepotism is exercised in the
Project objectives are well- selection of program beneficiaries
achieved Projects are not
Good Deeds influenced a number of supported in the
young people technical aspect
Transparency is not practiced in terms of
purchasing and budget allocation

SK Leaders were given a grade of 3.50 which toils between neutral judgments to
being effective. The reasons of the responders for providing the grade are as
follows
Positive Negative
They showed their Lack of effective
capacity and ability to communication skills
lead Unfamiliarity with
SK Leaders did their job the leaders
well and exerted Most of the projects have not been
efforts useful and beneficial
They improved participation of most of the people in the Young leaders are influenced
Barangay wrongly by the elders
Reasons for service are
self-serving

The results varied per Barangay but the rate for the SK leaders ranged from 3.00 to
3.75.

11
In the scale of 1-5 with five (5) as the highest score, respondents’ answers were added and later on divided into
the total number of respondents thus the average rating.

Page 17 of 22
It is surprising to note that the low ratings for the projects and the SK leaders did not
reflect the views of the young people in the issue of the SK abolition. When asked
whether or not they are in favor of the abolition of SK, the results are as follows:

90
80
70
60
50 In favor
40 Not in favor
30
20
10
0
SK Abolition (in percentages)

Despite doubtful perceptions on leadership and projects implemented, a huge chunk of

the constituents still believe that SK should be given a chance in local governance.
They still believe that Sangguniang Kabataan as an institution plays a vital role in
representing the youth and promoting youth participation.

The respondents gave their views on SK, their insights are as follows:
Positive Negative
SK are of great assistance to the families in They are exposed to corruption at their early
the barangay and to the young people age
SK helps in solving youth related They are just part of additional portion of the budget
crimes and irregularities but not progress
Young people need to be Projects are repetitive and such can be executed by
represented the Barangay Officials
Young people needs guidance through SK is no different to traditional politics
the leadership of SK
SK diverts attention of young people from
the use of addictive drugs
Only the youth knows what they truly
need

Page 18 of 22
In choosing to give Sangguniang Kabataan another chance in the Local Governance
Leadership, the respondents provided recommendations:

Additional Funds for Additional Projects and Employment

Revisit strategies on Leadership
Intensify Information Drive
Continue the projects but in a more organized manner
Watch out for corrupt SK leaders
Do projects frequently and not on a one time basis per term
Focus on projects that are fundamental e.g. education.
Be more transparent and accountable to public service
Make the programs inclusive and epanded to as many beneficiaries as possible

Discussions and Interviews with Key Informants revealed the faith of the local servants
on the capacity of the youth to lead and step up. They provided almost the same
sentiments as to those who are not in favor of the abolition.

To gather the pulse of majority of the young people, secondary data were gathered from
the Department of Interior and Local Government. The Barangay Operations Office
provided insights of the government touched by the results of their nation-wide survey
and consultation.

Government Initiative

On July 24 and 26, 2013, the Department of Interior and Local Government conducted
multi-sectoral consultations to get the pulse of the society’s stake-holders on
Sangguniang Kabataan issue. Furthermore, they have facilitated series of public
consultations in their regional offices on August 2013 to generate support or non-
support to SK. Among the report of the regional offices, it has been observed that most
of the proposals boil down to considering the possible contribution of the young leaders
to the county’s development therefore pursuing reform (DILG-NBOO). Among the areas
of reform drawn from the national ad regional consultations were the following:

Page 19 of 22
1. Clarity of SK Roles and the menu of activities SK officials need to consider in
utilizing SK Funds;
2. Age of SK officials needs to be raised from 15-17 top 18-24 years old to conform
to legal capacity.
3. Strengthening of SK oversight/performance monitoring and capacity building
necessary;
4. SK federation president to assume an executive function, rather than being an
ex-officio Sanggunian member;
5. Need for adequacy and clarity of internal control systems for the access and
utilization of 10% SK funds, among other operational concerns; and
6. Need to define roles and functions of government agencies and officials
workingwith SK and provide mechanism to facilitate performance of functions.

Conclusion and Recommendations

A number of views were established both on the side of abolition and reform, as a
researcher focusing her writings on youth participation in general, I find the following
recommendations appropriate:

1. Anti-Political Dynasty
- A provision which would bar relatives of current government officials up to 3rd
degree of consanguinity. It is essential in making SK work independently from traditional
politics.

2. Age-Bracket
- The current age bracket must be expanded from 15-17 years old to 15-25 years
old where the SK Chairman must be within the age of 18-25. This would further cover
“core youth” as defined by the National Youth Commission. Moreover, it will make them
legal signatories for contracts etc. whenever there are programs for the youth needed to
be finalized in a bigger scope.

Page 20 of 22
3. Fiscal Autonomy
- The expanded age-bracket would give the young leaders further independence in
funds disbursement. This would free them from the hold of the older barangay officials
which, in most cases, becomes a source for corruption.

4. Legitimate (Consultative) Youth Development Plans

- The Sangguniang Kabataan should have a strict mandate, together with the
Katipunan ng Kabataan or all the young people in the barangay, to formulate a youth
development plan which would guide their service all throughout the term. This would
provide them long-term and short term goals they could follow to promote youth
participation in an enhanced sense.

The quest for SK Reform is in the pinnacle of its verdict. The challenge is for SK Reform
Movements to exert extra effort to get a good grasp to their goal. The task is for the
young people to show their willingness to participate and be part of the society where
they belong. Change has always been associated to the young generation. As the world
becomes smaller and global problems become bigger, we need change-makers more
than ever.

Page 21 of 22
 References:

Victoria A. Bautista and the UP Open University (1998): “Research and Public
Management”

DFID-CSO Youth Working Group; Restless Development; United Nations (2010-2011).

Youth Participation in Development: Summary Guidelines for Development Partners.

TomooHozumi (2013). Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion: University of Sto.

Thomas Graduate School Auditorium. Thematic Paper # 1: United Nations Forum “To
2015 and Beyond: The Youth Speak of the Future They Want”

UNICEF (2007). The Impact of Youth Participation in Local Government Process: the
SanggunniangKabataan Experience.

Philippine Copyright (2011).Compiled by Arellano V. Busto.Rules and Regulations

Implementing the Local Government Code of 1991 - RA 7160.

Malabon Official Website: http://malabon.gov.ph/physical-features/

National Statistics Office – NCR (2012): “Special Release: 2010 Census of Population
and Households – Final Release”

Census Planning and Operations Division of the National Statistics Office

Department of Interior and Local Government, national Barangay Operations Office

National Youth Commission

(2012) List of SK projects and programs, Barangay Muzon, Barangay Baritan and
Barangay Tinajeros, Malabon City

Page 22 of 22