Solon: No DILG funds for SK execs’ training

The government’s effort to develop young and idealistic leaders through the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) again started in the wrong foot as there are no funds for their leadership training being arranged by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Youth Commission.

This was revealed yesterday by House Assistant Minority Leader Gilbert Remulla after the DILG informed him that the three-day training for SK officials set this month has no fund allocation.

Only the trainers’ expenses are covered, not those who will be attending the seminar. "They (SK officials) are being asked to get their budget from their barangay funds which are already depleted because of past elections," Remulla said.

He said many of those who cannot afford to pay the cost of the leadership training will not be able to attend or they will again be forced to seek financial support from political patrons such as local government officials and congressmen.

"This practice will leave them in the dark. How can we expect all the SK officials to attend such a training if there is no funding to cover their expenses?," Remulla said.

He added: "Many of them are now seeking financial support from their political patrons and this practice has serious implications on their independence and quality of leadership."