NEWLY ELECTED SK CHAIRPERSONS, LYDC MEMBERS ATTEND SPARK

February 2, 2024 Provincial

SAN FERNANDO, La Union

Heading towards transformative governance and progress, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through the Provincial Youth Development Office, empowers newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairpersons, Kagawads, and members of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) as the PGLU continues to provide more
inclusive and sustainable programs, projects, and activities for the youth of La Union last January 20, 2024 at the Thunderbird Resorts, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The newly elected SK Chairpersons and members of the LYDC from the 20 Local Government Units in the province gathered for their first big event entitled SPARK: Igniting the New Era of the Sangguniang Kabataan in ELYUniverse which provides empowering insights about leadership, good governance, personal development, and best practices.
Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega kicked off and delivered the welcome message.

Fresh perspectives on transformative leadership were discussed by Hon. Niña Jose-Quiambao, Municipal Mayor of Bayambang, Pangasinan; Hon. Arth Bryan C. Celeste, City Mayor of Alaminos City, duly represented by PPSK
President Hon. Loverly V. Bernabe; Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, City Mayor of Baguio City; Dir. Regie Colisao,
Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director. Dr. Sheridan Gajete, Region 1 NYC Cluster Head, discussed the important role of the youth in nation-building and salient provisions of Republic Act 8044, or the Youth in Nation Building Act, and other mandates of the SK.

The Bureau of Treasury Provincial Office discussed SK Fidelity Bonding, which is one of the requirements before SK could implement programs, projects, and activities in their respective barangays. In the speech of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, she thanked all the young leaders who participated in this event, and she is willing to work, collaborate, and support all the endeavors of the SK in the province. She encouraged everyone to make a change and be a change to the community.

Gov. Rafy believes that the youth are not the leaders of the future but rather the leaders of today and said, “Alam kong may baon ang mga kabataan natin dito sa La Union, you just need the right platform and the right influence to show your capabilities as youth leaders in the province of La Union. Let’s show the New Era of SKs na kung saan ay inuuna ninyo ang kapakanan ng bawat kabataan, ng bawat constituent ninyo sa inyong mga barangay, sa inyong
mga munisipyo, sa probinsya natin ng La Union. I just need you to believe in yourselves that you can, because I myself believe in each and everyone of you.”

This gathering was a manifestation that the youth of La Union are the champions of today’s generation. Hon. Harold
Dave E. Sibuma, Ex-Officio Board Member and SK Pederasyon President of La Union encouraged his fellow youth to
accept the challenge of being the leaders of today and be a catalyst of change and excellence for youth. As the SK
Pederasyon President of the Province of La Union, he hopes to provide significant change, inspiration, and to make a
difference towards KaPROBINSYAnihan, especially for the young people.

He will make sure to be the voice and helping hand of today’s generation and for the next generations to come.
Moreover, Ms. Zyjazz De Guzman, Provincial Youth Development Officer, discussed the Provincial Youth
Development Plan and the upcoming programs, projects, and activities. Ms. De Guzman and her fellow Local Youth
Development Officers were also recognized during the event as partners in providing technical assistance to the LYDC and SK.

As an advocate for Youth Empowerment, Board Member Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce was also present during the event and delivered her inspirational message to the participants. The new era of Sangguniang Kabataan and
youth leaders is ready to take off as the spirit of change, love, and leadership ignites to serve, lead, and follow towards the goal of the PGLU to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025, and with the spirit of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan, the youth of La Union will continue to spark in making a difference.

Kristian A. Ramirez, GPC-SP