Take part in SK polls, youth told

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza yesterday called on the city’s youth between the ages of 15 and 16 to go out and register for the Sangguniang Kabataan or youth council (SK) elections slated for July 15.

"I am calling on those eligible to vote in the coming SK elections to register. This is your opportunity to choose the leaders whom you feel could best represent the interest of the youth sector," said Atienza.

Some three million youths are expected to turn-up for the special SK registration to be conducted by the Commissioner on Elections in public schools on May 20 and 21. The much delayed SK elections would be held simultaneously with the barangay election. The last election for SK officials was held in 1992.

In Manila, a total of 897 seats for SK chairpersons and 6,279 SK members for the city’s 879 youth councils would have to be filled-up.

The coming SK election is expected to result in a younger set of SK officials. The average age of incumbent SK officials, all of them beyond their mandated term of office and are on holdover status, is 20 years old.

Meanwhile, the Manila Youth Bureau, head by acting City Administrator Maria Lourdes "Bonjay" Isip will also be making the rounds of the city’s barangays to urge those eligible to vote for the SK election to register. – Mike Frialde