Low turnout for SK hopefuls

THE COMMISSION on Elections recorded a low turnout for candidates vying for the different Sangguniang Kabataan position in the 128 barangays of Baguio City.

"Based on the data, the candidates for the Barangay SK Chairman are only 247 while 214 filed for SK Kagawads which have not reached 1/4 of the supposed positions. If we multiply the seven positions for SK times 128 barangays, they should be at around 896," Baguio City Comelec election supervisor John Paul Martin said.

Some 348 filed their candidacy for barangay captain while 1,803 are running for barangay kagawads, with 17 village chiefs are unop-

posed.

"What is going to happen is after the elections, the vacant positions will have to be filled up by the Department of the Interior and Local Governments for the barangays to have the opportunity for the SK's to be heard. There are seven from the 128 barangays that have not filed for any positions for SK," the city election supervisor stated.

According to Martin, if the SK positions will not be filled, the barangay will not be able to disburse funds, come up with projects and would not be able to lay out policies make plans for the youth.

"The DILG will have the authority to fill up this either by appointment or by special elections depending on their timeline. And looking at the timeline for newly elected barangay and sK officials, they will be serving until year 2020. With the limited time, will the DILG have the time to fill up the vacant positions?," Martin asked.

Martin noted among the possible reasons for the low turn of SK candidates is due to the confusion on the age requirements of 18 to 24 years of age during the day of the elections, the effect of the political dynasty provision not allowing children of incumbent barangay officials to run for the SK positions, and the busy schedules of the supposed millennial voters and lack of interest to serve. "I have studied the millennial mentality on why this was the turnout. What I saw was the attitude of the millennials which we have to address to encourage them to participate in all political exercises starting with registration," Martin added.

On May 3, a peace covenant signing at the Baguio Cathedral is set by the Comelec for all candidates to come and witness and signify their support for the peaceful conduct of the barangay and SK elections on May 14.