PARTIDO Reporma presidential candidate Panfilo Lacson and his running mate Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III urged youth leaders to assert their right to the Internal Revenue Allotment of their respective local government units to fund their projects.

Lacson and Sotto were the keynote speakers at the “Tumindig” Youth Empowerment Forum at the Baguio Convention Center attended by officials and members of the Sanggunian Kabataan.

The young participants received leadership advice from the veteran lawmakers, especially on the aspects of preparing their plans and projects for the SK, which they have difficulty implementing for lack of financial support from barangay officials.

Lacson said that the youth councils have a five- or 10-percent share in the IRA of local governments disbursed through their barangay officers. The SK can access that fund so that its members can implement projects without using money from their own pockets.

The SK members and officers also shared their frustrations for not getting honoraria for their services. This is on top of the challenges they encounter in preparing their budget proposals and other reportorial requirements.

Meanwhile, Sotto advised the youth leaders to call the attention of their mayors
should their village captains fail to provide their share of the IRA.

Lacson underscored that investing in capacity building programs for the youth sector is necessary for any local government unit to be successful because it will develop the hearts and minds of the SK officers and help them become more efficient and well-rounded community leaders in the future.