Cebu City releases P37 million in cash aid to SK heads

Local

THE Cebu City Government released a total of P37.5 million in financial assistance to 25 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons.

This is to support the implementation of youth-oriented programs in their respective barangays.

In resolutions authored by Councilor Rhea Jakosalem and approved during the recent council session, each SK chairperson received P1.5 million in financial assistance.

The funds aim to assist SK officials in carrying out projects that address the needs of young constituents in line with the mandates of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who led the distribution, said the allocation is part of the city’s continuing efforts to promote youth development and strengthen grassroots governance.

“Use this to fully implement projects for the youth. Prioritize initiatives that truly matter,” Garcia told the SK leaders.

“I have already instructed the full release of the remaining funds to ensure they are used effectively and on time,” he added.

Among the recipients was SK Chairperson Mele Mercado of Barangay Sudlon I.

In a Cebu City PIO report, Mercado said the financial aid will be used to purchase armchairs for public schools in the area.

“We are truly thankful for this assistance, as it will significantly help us respond to the needs of our students,” Mercado said.

SK Chairperson John Dave Bacus of Barangay Bonbon said the fund will support the creation of learning hubs and the organization of a barangay-wide sports festival, both of which are part of the SK’s mandatory programs promoting education and youth participation.

Other SK chairpersons who received financial assistance came from the barangays of Capitol Site, Caretta, Guba, Mabini, Mambaling, Pit-os, and San Jose, among others.

The city government said it expects the SK officials to implement their programs within the year, in accordance with budget utilization timelines and accountability protocols.

The release of the P1.5 million assistance per barangay follows earlier commitments by Mayor Garcia to support SK initiatives and ensure the timely disbursement of funds intended for youth development.(TGP)