A total of 671 SK officials from seven towns in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte undergo Sangguniang Kabataan Mandatory Training (SKMT) on Nov. 7, 2023 in Cotabato City. (Photo courtesy of BYC)
COTABATO CITY—The recently-elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have started taking intensive mandatory training this year to enhance their capability in performing official duties and functions concomitant to their elective positions.
Under the provisions of Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act of 2015 and Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BLGC), the SK Mandatory Training (SKMT) is required for both SK officials and members of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) before they can assume office.
A total of 15,000 SK official is expected to take the SKMT before the year ends.
On Nov. 7, a total of 671 SK officials from seven towns in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte underwent SKMT in this city.
Another batch of about 3,000 SK officials from the two Maguindanao provinces will also undergo SKMT this week and next week.
The training ensures that the newly-elected SK officials are fully prepared and knowledgeable of their roles and responsibilities. It also aims to equip them with the essential skills required to fulfill their duties effectively as SK officials.
Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding for Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and Special Geographic Areas (SGA) urged the SK officials to lead as responsible and visionary youth leaders of the Bangsamoro.
“The Bangsamoro Government needs a youth leader who demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, public service, integrity, and possesses a deep understanding of the struggles faced by the Bangsamoro community, encompassing both armed and political challenges,” Dunding stated.
The Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) and BYC issued a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) for the guidelines for implementation of the SKMT.
Meanwhile, the remaining SK officials from Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Marawi City will also undergo SKMT this month of November. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from BYC)
