The Antique provincial board has approved on second reading the ordinance declaring “Linggo ng Kabataan” in the province in August of every year to provide a venue for the development of an active and empowered youth.
Kenneth Dave Gasalao, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President in Antique, said in sponsoring the ordinance on its second reading Monday that the National Youth Commission, to ensure the full implementation of Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act of 2015, affirms the conduct of the Linggo ng Kabataan also known as the International Youth Day.
“One of the Linggo ng Kabataan objectives is to promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being of the youth to the end that the youths realize their potential for improving their quality of life,” he said.
He also said that the observance likewise aims to mobilize youth’s abilities, talents, and skills and redirect their creativity, inventive genius, and well-spring of enthusiasm.
It seeks to encourage youth development in character-building and development activities for civic efficiency, stewardship of natural resources, agricultural and industrial productivity, and participation in structures for policy-making and program implementation to accelerate socio-economic development.
“During the Linggo ng Kabataan, there will be province-wide programs and activities such as the kick-off parade, float competition, opening salvo, and the like that shall be observed,” Gasalao said.
There will also be barangay-based activities such as a clean-up drive, tree planting, sports competitions, and a festival of talents and variety shows that will boost the confidence of the youth to express their abilities, talents, and skills.
They will also initiate leadership training and skills development workshops.
The Linggo ng Kabataan celebration shall adopt the theme set by the United Nations in the International Youth Day every 12th of August each year.
“The required funds needed for the implementation of the province-wide celebration shall be allocated in the General fund under the SK Subsidy or Aid to SK Provincial Federation with the initial amount of PHP1.5 million that may be increased yearly,” Gasalao said. (PNA)
