Chapter 1 INRODUCTION

The Sangguniang Kabataan in all barangays (Villages) are mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991(RA No. 7160), to initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the members along with the community in general. The SK is also empowered to create such bodies or committees as it may deem necessary to effectively carry out its programs and activities, and coordinate with the appropriate national agency for the implementation of youth development pro jects and programs at the national level. With the ten percent share from the barangay internal revenue allotment as well as the proceeds from donations, grants and from fund raising activities, the youth are now in better position to help carry out certain community undertaking and contribute to the health, safety, comfort and welfare of their community.

OTHER SK PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Aside from sports development and promotion of physical fitness, the youth organizations may be engaged or encouraged t o initiate and implement various undertakings. Among these are:

1) Promotion of ecological awareness and environmental care among their members in particular and the community in general; 2) Informational, educational campaign on the evils of vices such as gambling, alcohol and prohibited drugs (abuse and trafficking); 3) Promotion of adult education through anti -illiteracy efforts among the SK youths in the community; 4) Educational drive on criminality and violence designed to increase youth awareness and alertness on such social problems; and 5) Informational assistance to the community on how to prevent disasters and calamities, man -made and natural; as well to help in the relief and rehabilitation of victims and other sufferers.

With their position in the policy -making councils of government in the both SK and upper Sangguniangs, the youthful leaders presented in such local lawmaking bodies can help and thereby fulfill their mission or duties. The LG code equips the youth with many legislative and similar powers t o enable them to implement programs, projects and activities. More so, the same law is clear and flexible as to give them a specific mandate to implement projects related to environmental protection such as solid waste disposal and other ecological problems. This function