SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. Mayor Cherilie Sampal of Polangui town in Albay urges Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to take their mandate seriously and to focus their program on social development rather than sports or recreation activities. (Photo from Mayor Sampal's FB page)
POLANGUI, Albay -- Mayor Cherilie Sampal urged the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to take their mandate seriously as representatives of the youth and focus their programs on social development rather than sports or recreation activities.
In a seminar here on Monday entitled "Call for youth involvement and participation" organized by The Forum for Family Planning and Development, the mayor said the SK annual investment plan must be anchored on the local government unit's (LGU) social development program particularly on health.
Sampal said the SK is an essential partner of the LGU in reducing the increasing number of teen pregnancy incidence in the municipality. “We need to focus and prioritize our program beneficial to young people. It is important that SK programs contribute to the development of our constituents,” she pointed out.
The lady mayor said health is on top priority of the municipal government and that their goals include reduction of malnutrition among children and adolescents, prevention of sexually transmitted infection including HIV, elimination of maternal deaths, intervention on mental health and provisions of commodities for family planning.
“So far, we support single parents, inclusion of financial assistance to indigents, elders and persons with disabilities,” she said.
Sampal added the SK must be in the front line in the delivery of social services. “You have been given the opportunity to serve your constituents, you need to give better services for them," she said.
“I also urge you to become time-conscious. We are in the public service therefore, you must act according to your mandate as a public servant,” the mayor said.
She also instructed the municipal social welfare and development and youth federation president to come up with a comprehensive municipal youth program.
The whole-day seminar aimed to increase awareness on the current issues and concerns affecting the youth and assist SK in identifying adolescent and youth-appropriate programs. (PNA)
