BOY AND GIRL OFFICIALS. Seventeen youngsters from Iloilo high schools will serve as counterparts of Iloilo provincial government officials from Tuesday to Friday (Aug. 13 to Aug. 16, 2019) as part of the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration. Maria Bianca Requinto, Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial federation president, on Tuesday, said the exposure of the youth to the Iloilo provincial government will teach them significant lessons and experiences. (PNA Photo by Gail Momblan)
ILOILO CITY -- Seventeen youngsters from different schools in Iloilo province will be trained on leadership and governance for the Sangguniang Kabataan’s (SK) Boy and Girl Officials 2019 as part of the celebration of the Linggo ng Kabataan.
The chosen youth will serve as counterparts for Iloilo provincial government officials from the governor, vice-governor, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members from Tuesday to Friday, said Maria Bianca Requinto, SK provincial federation president.
The boy and girl officials were formally introduced in a program at the Casa Real de Iloilo on Tuesday.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., in his speech, underscored the importance of the youth in nation-building.
“Youth is the future of the country, but we need you now. Under our law, the youth is already given responsibilities and obligations,” he said, adding that their four-day service at the Iloilo provincial government will exercise their sense of responsibility.
With the program's theme "Transforming Education", Requinto said the chosen boy and girl officials should serve as a tool to help fellow youth attain relevant, inclusive, and accessible education.
Education should also respect the diverse needs and unique abilities of the youth and shall, therefore, honor gender equality, human rights, and culture.
"Learning does not end in the classroom so this 'Linggo ng Kabataan', our activity will help the youth be empowered through engaging them inside the province," she said.
The boy and girl officials were chosen after a thorough interview, on-the-spot essay writing, and paper screening.
Pia Victoria Graza of Guimbal National High School will serve as governor and Gizzele Amour Tagabi as vice-governor.
Mark David Nalinga of A. Firmeza Memorial National High School and Frans Adellie Gargantiel of Guimbal National High School as first district board members; Charisse Camarista of Leonora Salapantan National High School and Jie Anne Faith Ausmolo of Pavia National High School as second district board members; Kevin Rey Deanon and Bea Ramirez of Zarraga National High School as third district board members; Crisfe Vergara of Dingle National High School and Rey Ann Destua of Dumangas National High School as fourth district board members; and Arian Mark Lebuna of Lambunao National High School and Alen Tolentino of Barotac Viejo National High School as fifth district board members.
Meanwhile, Lea Barta of Leonora Salapantan National High School, Azriel Dominik Almacen of Iloilo National High School, and Mary Jun Viray of Alimodian Comprehensive High School will be the counterpart of Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s ex-officio members.
Aside from being the counterparts of Iloilo government officials, the boys and girls will also attend talks, team-building activity, and will be oriented on the roles of provincial government offices.
"We expect them to gain significant lessons and experiences after these activities," Requinto said. (PNA)
