Hackathon to develop SK reform app

MANILA, Philippines - A network of young Filipinos is set to host an interactive panel and “hackathon” on the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) next week in time with the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

The Manila hub of the Global Shapers Philippines was chosen to host one of the 40 events around the globe that will coincide with the WEF forum on Jan. 15.

Among the activities is a 24-hour hackathon, which seeks to develop Web or mobile applications that could solve challenges involving the SK.

The apps – which will be developed by teams of three to five members – must improve awareness on the roles of SK in the community, engage the community and the youth about SK activities, and improve transparency and accountability in the SK.

Prior to the hackathon, an interactive panel led by Sen. Bam Aquino and National Youth Commission chairperson Gio Tingson will also be held at the Globe Valero Telepark in Makati City.

The senator will talk about “trusting” the SK system again, while Tingson will talk about the state of SK reform and how bottom-up governance can be enabled by technology and the youth.

In 2013, President Aquino signed a law postponing the SK elections pending the passage of reforms that will empower the system. The reform bills remain pending in Congress.

Interested participants in the hackathon or the interactive panels may register through http://tinyurl.com/MNLShapingDavos.