Pact for Cebu SK leaders’ training program sealed

Local

CEBU Province moved to strengthen the capabilities of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) council members on how to conduct sessions, draft resolutions, and apply parliamentary procedures through a new training program.

The initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, Nov. 19, between SK Provincial Federation President Loren Singco and Vice Governor Glenn Soco.

The program aims to equip youth leaders with the skills needed to participate effectively in council debates and make responsible decisions for their communities.

Soco highlighted that new SK officials often struggle during their first sessions due to limited knowledge of legislative processes.

Meetings frequently lack a clear agenda or structured flow, which reduces productivity and the effectiveness of council decisions.

Singco also noted that when he first began serving in his barangay, he faced similar challenges, and that mastering proper parliamentary procedures proved essential to conducting meetings efficiently and ensuring decisions reflected the majority’s will.

The training program is designed to address these gaps by teaching SK members how to draft resolutions, conduct organized discussions, and ensure all members can participate meaningfully even when they hold differing opinions.

Soco said the program will initially cover SK officials down to the barangay level, though barangay councilors, barangay captains, and even municipal councilors have already expressed interest in joining.

He noted that the Office of the Vice Governor can support the program because it has expert staff capable of conducting the training. Thus, the program will operate with minimal budget requirements.

Soco described the SK as an emerging force ready to contribute to local governance and highlighted his two-year collaboration with Singco in promoting youth-related measures.

Soco explained that the program is the result of a collaborative effort between the Office of the Vice Governor and SK Cebu to empower youth leaders across the province.

He said the training will strengthen their skills in legislation, proper conduct of sessions, and responsible decision-making.

"I have always believed that good governance begins with sound leadership and our SK officials deserve every opportunity to learn, grow, and lead with confidence," Soco said.

"Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen their skills in legislation, proper conduct of sessions, and responsible decision-making," he added.

Soco emphasized that the SK are already shaping their communities and that the initiative reflects a commitment to building a more capable, empowered, and service-driven youth sector.

The program is set to be launched first in Dumanjug town, as local youth leaders expressed optimism about collaborating with SK Cebu and the Office of the Vice Governor in rolling out the initiative there.(MyTVCebu)