Office the President of the Philippines

NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION

Message

The history of Sangguniang Kabataan taught us that no opportunities for youth

participation in governance should be taken for granted. Lest we end up losing what we
have been given.
The 2017-2022 Philippine Youth Development Plan framework this out by emphasized
that our nation’s success towards youth development and empowerment may only be
achieved with the synergy between the youth and the government.
Our generation of young people is fortunate since we have witnessed how the
Sangguniang Kabataan has been reformed through Republic Act No. 10742. Since the
Sangguniang Kabataan is an integral part of National Youth Commission’s overall national
youth policy, I consider the approval of the SK Reform Act as one of the most important
victories of the youth sector in this decade.
Reform was necessary. We cannot blame it solely to the gaps of the old policy. We
have to recognize that in the past, the youth had allowed incompetence, complacency and
corruption to devour what could have been a platform for genuine youth participation. The
necessary reforms are finally in place and the National Youth Commission is privileged to
take the lead to ensure its full implementation.
However, this sweet victory did not come without a price. This reform costed us
almost four years on non-representation in local government units – both in policy making
and program implementation.
Let us not just repeat the history. Let us reclaim Sangguniang Kabataan. Let it serve
the youth and safeguard our rights, freedom, and welfare.
Simulan natin muli!

ASec. JAMES CEASAR A. VENTURA

Commission-at-Large