All of the Himamaylan City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation officials were unopposed during their election last week.
Jedalyn Pampliega of Brgy. Talaban was unanimously elected SK Federation president and will sit as ex-officio member of the Himamaylan Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Other elected officials were vice president Christian Bajar of Brgy. IV, secretary Marvin Presquito of Brgy. Cabanbanan, treasurer James Ganaganag of Brgy. Carabalan, auditor Abe Kay Caceres of Brgy. Buenavista, public information officer Tin Cervañez of Brgy. II, and sergeant at arms Glaizzah Leony Prendon of Brgy. To-oy.
The incoming officials expressed their support for the various youth programs of the city government.
Himamaylan Mayor Raymund Tongson encouraged SK Federation officials to prioritize complying with the requirements set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and National Youth Commission.
The mayor said the new officials must step up and ensure that all 19 youth councils in Himamaylan receive “ideal functionality” ratings in 2024.
According to the 2022-2023 SK Functionality Audit report released October 20, only 8 out of 19 barangay youth councils in Himamaylan City received an ideal rating.
Barangays III Poblacion (97.5), IV Poblacion (93), Carabalan (81.25), Caradio-an (93), Mahalang (88), San Antonio (89.25), Talaban (88), and To-oy (86.75) passed the evaluation conducted by the Negros Occidental Provincial SK Assessment Team.
Prior to the federation elections, the SK chairpersons and council members also underwent the SK Mandatory Training.
“Our SKs must never stop learning. The real measurement is how you apply what you’ve learned from the mandatory training,” the mayor added.
Tongson said his office and the city government have prepared new and improved programs for the Himamaylan youth in the coming year.
“All our new youth leaders have to do is fulfill their duties and make sure that our programs reach all young Himamaylanons,” the mayor said.*