Office of the President of the Philippines

NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION

The Voice and Advocate of the Youth

ADVISORY

TO : ALL SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN OFFICIALS

SUBJECT : PROVISION TO BE EXCUSED FROM ATTENDING REGULAR

CLASSES

DATE : 02 MAY 2024

This advisory is issued to reiterate the Section 16 (a) (3) of Republic Act No. 10742,
as amended by RA No. 11767 or the SK Reform Act mandating that SK officials be
excused from attending regular classes while they are attending their
Sangguniang Kabataan meetings and Sannguniang Barangay sessions, in case
of the SK Chairperson.

Section Section 16 (a) (3) states that all SK officials in good standing, whether
elected or appointed, shall, during their incumbency:

“Be excused from attending their regular classes, if they are currently
enrolled in any school, while attending their regular or special SK meetings,
and the Sangguniang Barangay sessions, in the case of the SK Chairperson.
A certification of attendance shall be issued by the SK Secretary, attested
by the SK Chairperson, and duly noted by the Punong Barangay, and shall
be submitted to the concerned faculty member and the dean of the
educational institution as proof of attendance. In the case of the SK
Secretary, the SK Chairperson shall issue the certification duly noted by the
Punong Barangay. In the case of the SK Chairperson, the Barangay
Secretary shall issue the certification of attendance duly noted by the
Punong Barangay. Any person who shall falsely certify as to the attendance
of any SK official shall be criminally and administratively liable.” [Emphasis
added]

Moreover, Rule II Section 16 A (3) of the Revised Implementing Rules and

Regulations of RA 10742 as amended by RA 11768 adds:

“Participation or performance of duties in the SK shall not be

construed as a substitution for the requirements of the subjects in the
program being completed in school.”

In previous inter-agency coordination, it was clarified that the above cited

provisions of law and the revised IRR already provides sufficient guidelines such
that additional policy issuances will be a mere surplusage. Accordingly, the
following guidelines shall be observed:

1. SK officials shall, during their incumbency, be excused from their regular

classes to attend SK meetings and Sangguniang Barangay sessions.

3rd Flr. West Insula Building, #135 West Avenue cor. EDSA,
Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City, Philippines
Direct lines: (02) 8426-8899 / (02) 8426-8884 / (02) 8426-8475 /
(02) 8426-8676 / (02) 8426-8760 / (02) 8426-8733
Trunk lines: (02) 8371-4603
Email: info@nyc.gov.ph Website: www.nyc.gov.ph
 Office of the President of the Philippines
NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION
The Voice and Advocate of the Youth

2. As proof of their attendance at the meeting, SK officials shall submit a

certification of attendance to the faculty member and dean of the
educational institution, bearing the following signatories:

a. For SK Members and SK Treasurer: Issued by the SK Secretary, attested

by the SK Chairperson, and noted by the Punong Barangay.

b. For SK Secretary: Issued by the SK Chairperson, duly noted by the

Punong Barangay.

c. For SK Chairperson: Issued by the Barangay Secretary, duly noted by

the Punong Barangay.

Considering that Section 16 of the subject law uses the word "shall," the provision
must be construed as mandatory. Moreover, it has to be noted that the law does
not provide for exceptions when it mandated that SK officials are exempted from
their regular classes whenever they attend SK and Sangguniang Barangay
meetings.

Hence, in compliance with the subject law, in order to be excused from their
regular classes, it is imperative that the concerned SK official submits to the
concerned faculty member and the dean of the educational institution a valid
Certificate of Attendance.

Any educational institution, dean, or faculty member who acts in contravention

to the above stated may be reported to the Commission on Higher Education
and/or other appropriate authorities.

SK officials are, however, reminded to be circumspect and not neglectful of their

academic duties. The IRR categorically provides that participation or
performance of duties in the SK shall NOT be construed as a substitution for the
requirements of the subjects in the program being completed in school.

For the guidance of all concerned.

USEC. RONALD GIAN CARLO L. CARDEMA

Chairperson and CEO

3rd Flr. West Insula Building, #135 West Avenue cor. EDSA,
Brgy. Bungad, Quezon City, Philippines
Direct lines: (02) 8426-8899 / (02) 8426-8884 / (02) 8426-8475 /
(02) 8426-8676 / (02) 8426-8760 / (02) 8426-8733
Trunk lines: (02) 8371-4603
Email: info@nyc.gov.ph Website: www.nyc.gov.ph