ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has outlined a series of expectations for newly-elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the province, emphasizing their crucial role in community development and youth welfare.
Addressing the SK officials following their recent elections, Defensor stressed the importance of their direct involvement in addressing the needs and challenges of the youth within their barangays.
“The provincial government is fully supportive of our barangays and our SK. Our office is open to help,” said Defensor.
A key expectation set by the governor is the active participation of SK officials in implementing provincial programs such as the “Bes Probins Program” and the “Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya Program.” These initiatives aim to enhance the welfare and educational opportunities for the youth, and the governor underscored the role the SK officials will play in their execution.
Further emphasizing the importance of educational support, Defensor encouraged SK officials to manage teen centers in secondary schools across the province.
These centers, serving as hubs for career guidance, counseling, voter’s education, and addressing psychosocial issues, are expected to benefit greatly from the active involvement of the SK officials.
In addition, the governor pointed out the need for SK officials to engage in school-related activities, extending their influence beyond the barangay level to educational institutions.
This move is aimed at fostering a more holistic approach to youth development, encompassing both community and educational aspects.
Defensor also expects the SK officials to be part of the Program for Resilience of Ilonggos in Mind and Emotion (PRIME), a key initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the psychosocial impact of collective stress./PN
