THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government on Wednesday said around 1,000 chapter presidents of Sangguniang Kabataan federations across the country will take part in a national convention aimed at highlighting the youth’s role in nation-building.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the convention themed ‘Mga Bagong BIDA sa Bagong Pilipinas’ which runs from Dec. 7 to 10 in Baguio City will train SK leaders to become effective participants in local and national development.

“Malaki ang hamon na hinaharap ng ating mga SK leaders. Inaasahan natin na sila ang magiging bida ng bagong henerasyon ng kabataan para maging kaagapay ng pamahalaan sa pagtahak sa Bagong Pilipinas. Magkatuwang ang DILG at ang NYC para ihanda ang SK at siguruhing matutupad nila ang kanilang tungkulin,” Abalos said.

He said among matters to be tackled in the convention are the National Youth Assessment Study, the role of the NYC and the Philippine Youth Development Plan 2013-2028, as well as the Philippine National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security.

It would also equip newly-elected SK federation presidents with comprehensive knowledge of their roles in youth development and in addressing societal concerns.

There will also be team-building activities with the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy, Philippine National Police Academy, AFP Officer Candidate School, and the Reserve Officers Training Course.

During the activity, SK provincial, highly urbanized city, and independent component city chapter federation presidents will also elect their national representative and island representatives.

The elected SK national representative will sit as an ex-officio member of the NYC, while the island representatives will serve as representatives of the NYC Advisory Council.