NYC urges Filipino youths to register and vote for Oct. 28 SK elections

By: Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, July 18 (PIA) – The National Youth Commission (NYC) urges 15-17 years old Filipino youths and registered resident for the past six months of their barangay to get out and register as voter for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Officials this July 22-31, 2013.

NYC Naga Coordinator Nydia P. Delfin said this is now the best time for the Filipino youths to exercise their right of suffrage and have a wider pool of who are the best candidates to pick for the posts.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) serves as the local youth legislature in their respective villages or barangays.

Youths on the electoral roll are to vote one SK Chairman who will act as the Chief Executive of the Sanggunian (Council) and seven Kagawads (Councilors) who will act as the legislative council. The Kagawads approve resolutions of the Sanggunian and appropriates the money, usually a share in the revenue of the Barangay, allotted to the council.

According to Coordinator Paladin, in order to register, they need to bring proof of identity such as birth certificate, baptismal certificate and school records and go to the city/municipal election office of the area where they are residing.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Election (Comelec) has scheduled the 2013 Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay Elections on October 28, 2013. The synchronized Barangay and SK elections are governed by Republic Act 9164, which amends certain provision of Local Government Code of 1991 regarding SK Election.

SK Election 2013 schedules are as follows: July 22-31, 2013 – Voters Registration; October 15-17, 2013 – Filling of Candidacy; October 18-26, 2013 – Campaign period; and October 28, 2013, 7am-3pm – Election Date.

The SK is the local youth program and project implementation partner of the government. They initiate policies, programs and projects for the development of youth in their respective political territories. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)