SENATOR Pia Cayetano urged newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan officials to be good examples to the youth and to take their responsibilities seriously.

“You have 730 days to serve as SK leaders. Every day that you wake up, you have the chance to make a difference in your community,” she said.

“Be good leaders. Keep in mind that leadership is a ‘burden.’ It is not your right, but a privilege given to you by your constituents to serve your community. It is a privilege that can also be taken away from you any day. So serve well,” the senator added.

She urged the youth leaders to stay away from vices, including illegal drugs, excessive drinking, smoking and vaping.

“Do not believe the propaganda of tobacco and vape companies that vaping is ‘safer’ for you compared to smoking. Both are harmful to your health,” she said.

“Be responsible. Lalo na kayo, SK kayo. You have 14-year-old kids who are looking at you. Do you want them to see na may hawak kayong vape, sigarilyo, o alak in public? Sasabihin nila, ayan, pangarap ko pong maging katulad ng mga ate at kuya ko sa SK. So siguruhin n’yo na maging mabuting ehemplo kayo sa mga kapwa n’yo kabataan,” she added.

In addition, the senator encouraged the SK leaders to help organize sports and worthwhile community service activities for the youth.

Aside from promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle, she said that sports instills discipline, teaches life skills, and builds positive character.