SK councils excelled despite pandemic and 15 SK projects were recognized as outstanding.
Out of more than 250 expressions of interest, 15 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) projects were awarded during the 2nd National Search for Outstanding SK Project Awards last August 12, in celebration of International Youth Day.
SK councils from around the Philippines, who have implemented projects related to health, education, economic empowerment, social inclusion and equity, peacebuilding and security, environment, and active citizenship and governance for at least three months in 2020 or 2021, applied for this second year of the search.
Seventy-three (73) of the SK councils qualified for the search and underwent a three-day virtual capacity-building about project management. From 44 paper screening qualifiers, 23 were determined as National Finalists and competed through an online project expo where 15 were selected and braved the virtual project presentations before being recognized as Outstanding SK projects.
After the rigorous screening process, the following SK Council projects were deemed as outstanding:
- Health Category
- Outstanding SK Project Award: Kayanakan Kontra AMR by SK Gilas San Nicolas 1, Magalang, Pampanga
- Outstanding SK Project Award: Projeck BaK 2 Bak: Balik Kumpiyansa sa Bakuna by SK District 3, Tumauini, Isabela
- Most Outstanding SK Project Award: SK Teen Center by SK Ilocanos Sur, San Fernando City, La Union
- Education Category
- Outstanding SK Project Award: LIPAD Kabataan Center by SK Calao West, Santiago City, Isabela
- Outstanding SK Project Award: Project Karunungan by SK Dila, Bay, Laguna
- Most Outstanding SK Project Award: Project Basa by SK Badas, Mati City, Davao Oriental
- Economic Empowerment Category
- Special Citation: KKK (Kabataan, Kita, at Kabuhayan) by SK San Mateo, Dasmariñas, Cavite
- Outstanding SK Project Award: Binhi at Punla Para Kay Juan by SK Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo
- Most Outstanding SK Project Award: Kaagapay Youth Association by SK Visayan Village, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
- Environment Category
- Special Citation: Team 4P’s (Pangkalinisan, Pangongolekta, Pagtanim, at Pangkain) by SK San Mateo, Dasmariñas, Cavite
- Social Inclusion and Equity Category
- Special Citation: Project The SLOPE by SK Sapao, Dumangas, Iloilo
- Active Citizenship and Governance Category
- Special Citation: PROJECT ATBP (Aktibong Tugon sa Bagong Pamamahala) by SK San Mateo, Dasmariñas, Cavite
- Outstanding SK Project Award: PROJECT B.A.K.S. (Being A Knowledgeable Society) 2.0 by SK Payatas, Quezon City
- Outstanding SK Project Award: Botante Ako by SK Cabantian, Davao City, Davao del Sur
- Peacebuilding and Security Category
- Outstanding SK Project Award: Project BUSTER by SK Villa Gonzaga, Santiago City, Isabela
For more information on each of the projects, visit PYDN’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PYDNOfficial.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa PYDN for giving us the platform to showcase to the Philippines that safe spaces are possible in every community,” said Macky Ducusin of SK Teen Center, one of the Most Outstanding SK Project Awardees.
“Patuloy po kaming magiging instrumento ng positibong pagbabago para sa aming komunidad,” said Mark Sotto of LIPAD Kabataan Center, one of the Outstanding SK Project Awardees.
Vice President Leni Robredo, through a special recorded video message, imparted to the SK leaders to continue what they are doing and being a blessing to others.
“The challenges can be daunting pero gaya nga ng lagi kong sinasabi, malaki man ang hamon, laging mas malaki ang pagkakataon–pagkakataong makilahok, makatulong o makagawa ng kabutihan,” Robredo said.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto also advised the SK leaders, “Isulong natin ang mabuting pagbabago na gusto nating makamit bilang isang lipunan at patuloy nating hikayatin ang mga kabataan na makilahok sa gawain ng ating pamahalaan dahil alam natin na isa ito sa susi para sa mabuting paggogobyerno.”
Meanwhile, Galing Pook Foundation Executive Director Georgina Hernandez-Yang expressed her hopes for further collaboration with the youth councils in achieving the desired developments in our country.
“We have seen how the challenges in the past year brought us the best and the most creative ideas from the youth. The youth is really the one that will lead in thriving at these times dahil sa mga kabataan, there are limitless ideas and possibilities and that always inspires and motivates people like me in the development sector to continue collaborating and engaging the youth,” Yang said.
As for PYDN, Executive Director Alfred Dicto assured the youth leaders of their continued engagement despite the end of the national search.
“If you are grateful for the certificates and awards, we are equally grateful for hearing your stories and allowing us to share your stories to the rest of the country and to the rest of the world. We will continue this conversation as we continue to inspire more young people and encourage our leaders to listen to the plight of the young people so that we can all work together towards building a better nation for everyone,” Dicto said.
With the aim to showcase and recognize the most outstanding youth-led initiatives among SK councils and honor their contributions in advancing the promises of the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP), Ambisyon Natin 2040, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the pioneering award-giving program was initiated by Positive Youth Development Network, co-presented by Galing Pook Foundation and in partnership with Unilab Foundation, Ideas Positive, HeadsUp PH, YPEER Pilipinas, Ideas Positive Alumni Community, and GoodGov PH.