Senator Bam Aquino congratulated elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders and advised them to begin by listening to the people they have sworn to serve.

“Hindi lang tayo dapat magaling mangampanya, magaling din tayo dapat magserbisyo. Nagsisimula ito sa pakikinig sa komunidad. Alamin natin ang kanilang mga kuwento at kanilang pangangailangan,” Sen. Bam stressed.

To address the concerns of the community, Sen. Bam said our barangay and SK leaders should learn from one another and should not be afraid to try new, innovative solutions.

“Kailangan handa tayo na gawin ang mga bagay na kakaiba. Alamin natin ang mga best practices mula sa isa’t isa. Huwag tayong makulong sa laging nakagisnan pag naghahanap ng mga solusyon sa problema,” said Sen. Bam, an advocate of innovations, start-ups and social enterprises.

“Kailangang alam natin ang kailangan ng ating pinagsisilbihan at kailangang handa tayong matuto kung paano maibibigay sa kanila ang mga ito,” Sen. Bam pointed out, adding that Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act will provide the new SK officials with training and advise through the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) to help them become good leaders.

The SK Reform Act, which Sen. Bam co-sponsored and co-authored during his tenure as chairman of the Committee on Youth, is the first law in the country with an anti-political dynasty provision. It prohibits relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

The law adjusts the age limit for 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.

The law also mandates the creation of the 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.