Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10742)
Republic Act No. 10742 is also known as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015.
Youth are persons whose ages range from fifteen (15) to thirty (30) years old as defined in Republic Act No. 8044.
The Katipunan ng Kabataan is a body in every barangay composed of all citizens of the Philippines residing in the barangay for at least six months, who are between 15 and 30 years old, and are duly registered in the list of COMELEC and/or records of the Sangguniang Kabataan secretary.
The Katipunan ng Kabataan elects the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson and members, and acts as the highest policy-making body on youth matters in the barangay, including consulting and concurring with the Sangguniang Kabataan on programs, plans, and activities.
They must meet at least once every six months or upon call by the SK chairperson or written petition of at least 1/20 of its members to discuss important youth issues.
In every barangay, it is composed of a chairperson and seven members elected by the registered voters of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. The chairperson, with the majority concurrence of members, appoints a secretary and treasurer from the Katipunan ng Kabataan members.
They hold office for a fixed term of three years unless sooner removed for cause, permanently incapacitated, died or resigned.
Must be a Filipino citizen, qualified voter of Katipunan ng Kabataan, resident of the barangay for at least one year preceding elections, at least 18 but not more than 24 years old on election day, able to read and write Filipino, English, or local dialect, not related within second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected official in the locality, and must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
They are exempt from tuition and matriculation fees in public tertiary schools, exempt from NSTP-CWTS subject with participation reports, excused from regular classes during SK meetings, given PhilHealth coverage, entitled to travel reimbursements related to SK functions, and the SK chairperson has same privileges as other Sanggunian members.
Grounds include absenteeism without valid cause, failure to convene assemblies or meetings, failure to formulate or implement youth programs, conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude, violation of graft laws, and failure or abuse in the discharge of duties.
The SK chairperson serves as an ex officio member with the same powers, duties, functions, and privileges as regular members and chairs the Committee on Youth and Sports Development.
Ten percent of the general fund of the barangay is set aside for SK, which is appropriated in lump sum for youth purposes. SK has financial independence with funds deposited in a government bank with SK chairperson and treasurer as signatories. Budgets prioritize education, environment, employment, health, gender sensitivity, sports, and leadership training. Budgets are subject to review and auditing.
It is an organization of SK chairpersons at municipal, city, and provincial levels that elects officers and coordinates youth programs and participation in local governance.
They must undergo mandatory training before assuming office and attend continuing training during their term to promote values of patriotism, leadership, and capability building as outlined in the law.
Linggo ng Kabataan is an annual activity every local government unit during the week including August 12 (International Youth Day) where youth ages 13 to 17 elect counterparts of local officials to hold office and perform duties guided by local ordinance.