“Linggo ng Kabataan” manifests vital role of SK

SK Logo; Tree Planting in Castilla, Sor.

SORSOGON CITY, Dec 18 – THE 1987 Philippine Constitution speaks out the vital role of the youth in nation building.

Accordingly, the state has to stimulate and look after their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. In addition, uphold patriotism and nationalism, and then encourage involvement in public and civic affairs

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On one hand, Republic Act 7160, known as the Local Government Code of 1991 directs the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) as the youth representation in various civic and social gatherings, and arranges activities in response to national as well as local issues and concerns.

This further provides for the conduct of an annual activity dubbed as the “Linggo ng Kabataan.”

Together with the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the SK Provincial Federation organised a job fair (December 13 and 14) this year for career hunters which was graced by DOLE’s Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra, Assistant Regional Director Ezequiel Ronnie Guzman, Sorsogon Field Officer Jose Banda and Marilyn Luzuriaga.

Linking up with four local and overseas agencies, the job fair registered a total number of 216 applicants.

It similarly supported Honorable Governor Raul R. Lee’s continuing “Paskonswelo sa Kapitolyo” (December 1 to 30) at the Capitol Park, Kasanggayahan Village and Provincial Gymnasium, with series of activities intended to light the spirit of the holiday season.

On Saturday (December 15^th), a First Aidand Basic Life Support workshop was conducted for the members of the SK Provincial Federation at the Sorsogon National High School (SNHS) Function Hall in Sorsogon City, fitting together with the recent Linggo ng Kabataan events. This was supported by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), headed by its chief, Engineer Raden D. Dimaano.

(L) Former Gov Sally Lee; (R) SK Fed Pres Patrick Rodrigueza

The event was joined in by Sorsogon’s champion on Climate Change, former Governor Sally Ante Lee, who urged the SK for their further commitment to saving Mother Earth.

“I hope that in due time you are able to learn and take the responsibility of protecting our environment,” she said.

Earlier, the SK headed by Federation President and Board Member Patrick Lee Rodrigueza, expressed their enthusiasm during a dialogue with the PDRRMO to implement suitable programmes under Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and timely respond to the adverse effects of Climate Change.

Relevantly fresh from planting mangrove propagules in the vulnerable coastal area of barangay Bulabog, Sorsogon City last October 14, 2012, the SK engaged in a tree planting activity on a rainy Sunday morning (December 16th).

In coordination with Forest Ranger Wilfredo F. Duran Jr. (PENRO-LGU), Captain Arnel G. Sabas of the Philippine Army and Barangay Chairman Floro A. Mirabel, SK members scaled the slippery hills and planted Acacia Mangium, Mahogany and Narra tree saplings in an identified timberland zone in barangay Amomonting, Castilla devolved to the Province of Sorsogon by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Integrated Social Forestry Project (ISF).

“The Campostella Valley tragedy was just one of the terrible catastrophesthat hit the country and manifested insufficiency in preparedness and awareness of disaster risk reduction, “SK Federation President Patrick Lee Rodrigueza said in a statement.

“With any luck, these laudable activities will benefit the both responsive and active stakeholders in reducing risks during disasters and other calamities here in the Province of Sorsogon,” he said.(VAELabalan, PIO/PIA Sorsogon)