LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY – The Albay Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) has urged Sangguniang Kabataan officials in this province to ensure proper and efficient utilization of funds allotted for their programs and projects.

Rhondon C. Ricafort, provincial youth development officer, said SKs were capacitated on planning and profiling for the proper allocation of their fund allotments to undertake programs that will respond to the particular needs of the youth in their areas of jurisdiction.

“First, they should identify the needs of the youth, not just implement whatever programs they want to avoid waste of funds. We are helping our Sangguniang Kabataan officials so that whatever fund they have, they can use it efficiently,” Ricafort said during his guesting at the Laging Handa Network Briefing News program. 

He also said they implemented the youth profiling project which aims to identify the characteristics and demographic information, livelihood and career background of Albayano youths to look for appropriate programs that will suit their needs, and further improve their contribution and involvement in community programs.

The Albay PYDO has likewise launched the 'Lider Kabataan' program to continuously help and assist the youth sector to develop their capability and leadership skills.

COVID-19 response

Ricafort also noted the active involvement of the youth in various programs and projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in allotting budget for health and education.

“With the COVID-19, SK officials in Albay have learned to include health and education in their priority programs aside from their usual sports activities before the pandemic," he said.

SK officials in the province have allotted their funds to purchase and distribute  essential health and medical supplies and resources to affected communities. They also intensified their vaccination information campaign to encourage their fellow youth and the older population to get vaccinated.

“One reason that encouraged the youth to be vaccinated is the information from the DOH and the Inter-Agency Task Force on how important it is to be vaccinated, not just the elderlies but our millennials as well,” he added.

Ricafort further called for unity among the youth in serving their communities and to make the most of their time while they are still young.

“As always, we are calling for our youth to be united in serving their communities. While still young, make the most of it and be obedient to your parents,” he said.

The Network Briefing News is a program of the PCOO, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and other attached agencies to showcase best practices and programs of LGUs, SK officials and youth development partners in the country. (SAA/PIA5/Albay)