Let’s give the new Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) a chance to produce a young generation of heroes.

Sen. Bam Aquino made this plea as the country celebrates National Heroes Day amid growing calls to postpone the SK elections for two years, adding that the reforms will be for naught if not implemented immediately.

 “Sayang naman ang repormang isinulong natin sa batas kung maghihintay pa tayo ng dalawang taon para ito’y makita,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress.

 “Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang SK na humubog ng mga bagong bayani mula sa ating mga kabataan na tutulong sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga komunidad,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

 Instead of a two-year wait, Sen. Bam is open to postpone the SK elections for several months until early 2017 to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ample time to prepare.

 “Huwag na nating pag-antayin pa ng matagal ang ating mga kabataan na kasalukuyan nang naghahanda para sa halalan at sabik nang maglingkod sa kapwa nila kabataan,” Sen. Bam asserted.

 “Gamitin natin ang pagpapaliban na ito bilang dagdag na panahon sa pagpaparehistro at paghikayat sa ating mga kabataan na tumakbo sa ilalim ng bagong SK,” he added.

 The SK Reform Act is the first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, prohibiting relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

 Aside from its anti-dynasty provision, the new law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

 Sangguniang Kabataan officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

 The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.