SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian proposed the creation of the national federation for the Sangguniang Kabataan while preparations for the 2023 barangay elections, slated in October, are ongoing.

Senate Bill 1058, which Gatchalian filed last year, seeks to amend the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 or Republic Act 10742 to create the Nasyonal na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan.

In filing the measure, Gatchalian acknowledged how the SK has provided the youth an avenue to participate in various levels of local government, particularly in local legislation and implementation of programs and projects.

He pointed out, however, that under Republic Act 10742, no national organization was created for the SK, which could further strengthen its role in nation-building.

“Isinusulong natin ang paglikha ng Nasyonal na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan upang lalo pa nating mapalakas ang pakikilahok ng ating mga kabataan sa pamamahala sa ating bansa. Kung mapapatatag natin ang ugnayan sa pagitan ng ating mga opisyal sa SK, mas mapapatatag natin ang kanilang kakayahang tugunan ang mga isyung kinakaharap ng ating mga kabataan,” Gatchalian said.

A national SK federation, he added, will promote a more effective networking and consensus-building to address issues on governance and project implementation.

Under his proposal, the national federation will be composed of the elected presidents of the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan.

The duly elected president of the Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan in all levels shall serve as ex officio members of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.

Under the present law, the SK federation presidents only serve as ex officio members of the Sangguniang Bayan, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.