BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance granting honorarium, and other benefits and privileges to all elected and appointed Sangguniang Kabataan officials of Bacolod City, was unanimously approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on third and final reading Wednesday.
The ordinance authored by SK president and Councilor Ayesha Joy Villaflor said that in the maintenance of strengthening the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), it is necessary that specific rules or special laws should be adopted and enforced in the interest of effective administration.
In order to regulate and adjust with the unexpected changes in the local governance, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Bacolod City recognizes the need for the passage and ratification of such ordinance to grant honorarium, other benefits and privileges to all elected and appointed SK officials, it said.
The ordinance to be known as the “Sangguniang Kabataan of Bacolod Honorarium Grant Ordinance”, provides that the SK members, including the SK treasurer and secretary, will receive monthly honorarium chargeable against the SK funds, and will be granted at the end of every regular monthly SK meeting. Provided, that the monthly SK honorarium will not exceed the monthly compensation received by the SK chairperson, and that not more than 25 percent of the SK funds will be allocated for personnel services.
It said the SK members, including the SK treasurer and secretary, during their incumbency will be subject to all privileges stated under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11768, amending Section 16 of R.A. No. 10742.
Meanwhile, Councilor Renecito Novero said they approved the ordinance unanimously because they believe that the youth is a very essential component of the society. They have contributions and roles in the developmental program of the youth who later on will also become leaders of the city and of the country.
“We want them to feel that the government is supporting them and that we are aware of their sacrifices,” he added.*
