KABATAAN Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel called on the government to strengthen Sangguniang Kabataan and civilian-led disaster response efforts nationwide to reach all those affected by Tropical Storm Paeng.

“We call to develop such capacity for future disasters, especially the Sangguniang Kabataan as a civilian institution poised to unite and lead alongside the Barangay in these type of situations,” Manuel said.

The lawmaker pointed out that civilian community officials and youth organizations are best positioned to lead disaster efforts if given the proper training, funding and support from the national government.

The recent typhoons and earthquakes showed the need for a disaster response centered on the efforts of local civilian institutions and organizations, he said.

“Instead of Malacañang passing blame on the coordination of PAG-ASA and Local Government Units for flood casualties in the aftermath of Typhoon Paeng, it is best that they recognize local bayanihan efforts of citizens despite limited resources and ensure policies to strengthen such capacity,” the lawmaker stressed.

“In the same vein, we call on the National Youth Commission to finally release the Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 11768 or the SK Compensation and Empowerment Law that should provide honoraria to SK officials, including the Treasurer and Secretary, as well as much-needed trainings and funding to professionalize local youth leaders,” he added.