DAVAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 11 (PIA) – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Officials of the cities and municipalities of the Province of Davao Del Norte are relentless in delivering their programs and activities in observance of the Linggo ng Kabataan.

Dr. Jacqueline B. Bandong, Tagum City Youth Development Office Head, and Hon. Ricky A. Moria, the SK Chairperson of Sta. Cruz, New Corella representing the Davao del Norte SK Federation during their guesting in “Pakigsayod: Serbisyo Publiko Alang sa Katawhang Pilipino” with the topic “Linggo ng Kabataan Special”; highlighted their plans to their localities for the entire week.

With the reforms on the Sangguniang Kabataan, in the Republic Act 10742, also known as Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, SKs' financial independence was granted to the SK officials enabling their plans to be fast-tracked said Moria.

Even with enough budget, Dr. Bandong emphasized that conducting programs and events online is a challenge for the SKs. Not all of the youth can access gadgets and the internet, she added.

But with the passion of the SKs of Davao Del Norte, even the pandemic could not hinder them from pursuing their plans for the Linggo ng Kabataan.

Limited face-to-face activities were conducted at the barangays of Tagum City and other cities and municipalities, according to Dr. Bandong and Moria, following the minimum health standards, while community outreach programs were held for those who could not participate online.

Dr. Bandong and Moria further highlighted that besides the benefits given to the youth, their families also received COVID-19 related goods and services.

The guests were full of gratitude to the Provincial Government of Davao Del Norte for the endless support to the youth empowerment, which Dr. Bandong mentioned as “Makabagong SK". (Ezri Coda, PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda)