SK prov’l head bids farewell

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation, Aladin Wilyamie Caminero, has bid farewell to his colleagues in the Cebu Provincial Board as he attended the last session yesterday where he delivered his valedictory address.

Caminero’s term shall end on November 30, 2013 without successor after the Commission on Elections deferred the holding of SK election last October 28 supposedly synchronized with the barangay elections.

He expressed concern as to who could continue to represent and embody the youth of the province in the PB.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the respected elders and valued colleagues of this august chamber who has kindly and generously nurtured this young representation with wise counsels, utmost understanding, and patience as a loving mother or father and older brother or sister would to a younger brother- for which acts of generosity and camaraderie I am eternally grateful and mindful,” he said.

In 2010, Caminero, 17 years old at the time, was elected barangay SK chairperson in Poblacion, Argao, then a municipal SK president and finally president of the  provincial SK federation, which entitled him to sit as ex-oficio member of the PB.

Caminero said that he leaves the office “with a heavy heart, knowing that until a new law is passed clarifying the new policies or reforms on the SK organization, the youth of the province and the country as a whole, will not be represented in all levels of local legislative bodies.”

He assured his fellow youth that he shall continue to do his share of service and do his responsibility and civic duty, for even if his term ends he remains a citizen of the country.

“And so I bid adieu to this august body- with a bit of sadness, but with a grateful heart and hope, trusting that the honorable men and women of this august chamber will not forget nor forsake the welfare and concerns of the youth,” he further said.

Caminero told reporters he still has to finish his degree in marketing now that he is no longer in the position and help in their family business.

There may be no longer head of office of the SK provincial federation but the activities and the staff remain.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said that the SK office and the staff would be under her supervision while there is no definite decision yet as to the status of youth body.

Magpale said that the funding for various programs and activities of the SK in the province would still be continued.

Meanwhile, PB Member Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr., would also stay as ex-oficio member as president of the Federation of the Association of Barangay Councils until the new president is elected next month.

Holganza was re-elected barangay captain in Baod in Bantayan. The new set of barangay officials will assume office on December 1 yet. (FREEMAN)