Student leaders stand as city officials for days

CEBU, Philippines — Selected student leaders from the different schools in Cebu City got a taste to become a city official during the ‘’Know your City Government’’ activity of  the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) and the Cebu City Local Youth Development Office (CCLYDC).

Marvin Macasero, a staff of the CCLYDC, said the program was aimed to train and expose the youth leaders to the duty of every official in the city hall and to let the youth leaders know the real situation of the government.

Macasero said the program has two phases – the SSG presidents’ summit and a three-day training at the City Hall.

The little officials were from the different private and public high schools in the city, who were elected during the SSG league of president summit last August 6.

The 45 SSG presidents assumed and acted as little mayor, little vice mayor, little Association of Barangay Captain President (ABC) Head, SKF President, department heads and councilors.

SKF President Jessica Resch said the activity, which started last Tuesday, ran for three days.

On day one, the leaders paid a courtesy call to Mayor Tomas Osmeña.  They also had the oath taking for their respective elected position inside the office of the mayor.

On the same day, they had a tour at the City hall and they are also witnessed the city council session last Tuesday.

On second day, they visited and experienced all the projects and services of the City Government, such as the 24 hours services of Cebu City Public Library, the Long Life Medical Assistance Program, the Parian Drop-in Center, where they socialized the street children who were there, the Kalunasan Operation 2nd Chance Center, the Archival’s Eco house, the Museo Sugbo and lastly the Fort San Pedro.

On Day 3, the youth leaders had a mock session in the afternoon, where they experienced to propose a resolution.

Every little official also experienced to sit in their respective offices, where the little mayor will sit beside the mayor.

Nhyll John Ashley Flores, a Grade 12 student at Talamban National High School, was elected as the little mayor.

He said he didn’t expect to be elected as a little mayor because the summit’s poll for the top spot against University of San Carlos’ Michael Angelo Quijada was so close.

“I was so just happy, privileged and honored that the Student Government Presidents form different schools in Cebu City placed their trust on me,’’ Flores said.

He said the experience being a little Mayor of Cebu will contribute to his knowledge in handling his constituents. He could apply his learning being an official to his own council.

During the interview yesterday, the elected little officials gave their suggestion for the solution of the problems that the City is facing.

Among their recommendations include: proper education using technology for every youth in the City, education in avoiding human trafficking, campaign against illegal drugs, equitable access to quality education and environmental protection, proper garbage disposals, housing projects for informal settlers and more projects involving the youth. — Carl James T. Cabarles, USJ-R Intern/GAN (FREEMAN)