ILOILO City – Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) city federation president Leila Luntao criticized Mayor Jose Espinosa III for not acting on her request to approve the proposed Iloilo City Youth Congress.
She submitted to the mayor her request in November yet, according to Luntao, a perceived political ally of Cong. Jerry Treñas, Espinosa’s rival for the mayoral race in next year’s election.
“We’re having difficulty securing the mayor’s approval for this year’s youth congress. Why?” Luntao asked in a recent privilege speech.
The proposed youth congress is being envisioned as a follow-up to last year’s youth congress initiated by Councilor Lady Julie Grace Baronda, then the chairperson of the committee on youth and sports development.
“Why not approve this program? May budget na nga naka-allocate, ara mismo sa development plan sang kada barangay,” said Luntao.
Also an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Luntao said she tried following up her request at the mayor’s office. Espinosa’s Senior Executive Assistant Rommel “Jojo” Castro faced her.
“Istudyohan pa kuno ang akon proposal,” said Luntao.
She wondered, however, the speed with which the mayor approved the programs of the Local Youth Development Office even if these were not coordinated with her office.
“Ngaa daw may ginapaboran si mayor?” said Luntao.
The SK city federation chairman previously criticized the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) for not coordinating its youth-related activities with her office.
Luntao also lamented not having been informed about the proposed P200,000 budget of the LYDO for 2019. She specifically called out the LYDO chief, Jason Gregorio.
“Ako ang chairman, siya secretariat. Wala niya ko na-inform kun diin ina siya makadto,” said Luntao.
The LYDO’s primary responsibility is to guide and assist the SK, address its concerns and support its programs, she stressed./PN
