CEBU, Philippines – Another Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson-elect is eyeing for an ex-officio member seat at the Cebu City Council.
Ivonne Carl Samonte, 17, elected SK chairperson of Barangay Bulacao Pardo said he will run as president of the city's SK Federation which election was tentatively scheduled on December 3.
The next president will replace incumbent federation head Rengelle Pelayo and will sit as ex-officio member of the council. The council has allotted two seats that will be filled by ex-officio members, one for SK Federation president and the other one is for the president of the Association of Barangay Councils.
Samonte will be competing with seven other chairpersons who have already expressed interest for the post.
Other contenders are Aqua Jane Caruzca of Barangay Pahina San Nicolas, Clarence Jacques Lim of Tinago, Claudine Nicoles Dakay of San Nicolas Proper, John Eliazar Ruix of Mabolo, John Philip Po of Sto. Niño, Mark Glen Borbajo of Talamban and Orlane Quijada of Punta Princessa.
Samonte claimed to have the support of some 50 SK chairpersons from the barangays in the south and the north. In fact, he has already started visiting Saturday the mountain barangays.
"I want to give importance to our mountain barangays. I want them to be involved in city activities," Samonte said.
He said his plan to run in the federation is supported by the barangay officials in Bulacao. His father, Enrique, was also elected barangay councilor.
Pelayo, in reports, said she will not endorse any candidate to give all aspirants an equal chance and opportunity.
Samonte said that the Federation under Pelayo's leadership has done a great job but he believes that he can give the organization fresh ideas.
Among these ideas is the implementation of ID system for SK members which shall be similar to the ID issued to senior citizens.
The ID shall grant the holder privileges and benefits like scholarship loans. (FREEMAN)