The Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) is a significant component of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act of 2015, also known as Republic Act No. 10742.
Designed to foster wide and multi-sectoral youth participation in local governance, the LYDC plays a significant role in shaping Filipino youth policies and programs at the provincial, city, and municipal levels.
What is the LYDC?
The LYDC is mandated by Rule III Section 24 of the SK Reform Act, which requires every province, city, and municipality to establish a youth council.
These councils are respectively named the Provincial Youth Development Council (PYDC), City Youth Development Council (CYDC), and Municipal Youth Development Council (MYDC).
The Council is headed by the concerned SK Pederasyon President and includes representatives from various youth and youth-serving organizations within the local government unit (LGU).
Meetings and Decision-Making
The Council is required to meet quarterly, with additional meetings as needed.
If the president or vice-president of the SK Pederasyon fails to convene a meeting, at least one-third of the LYDC members can call for one.
Notices for meetings must be sent out at least two days in advance, specifying the date, time, place, and agenda to make sure that all members are informed and prepared to participate.
Importance
LYDC is essential for promoting meaningful youth participation in local governance.
By involving young people in the planning and execution of local projects and programs, the LYDC makes sure that youth perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.
This engagement helps develop responsible and proactive youth leaders who are committed to community service and development.
Composition
The Council is composed of representatives from various sectors, promoting a broad and inclusive participation base.
Members include representatives from local government units, schools, and registered youth and youth-serving organizations at the provincial, city, and municipal levels.
Youth organizations consist entirely of members aged 15 to 30, focusing on youth advocacy, while youth-serving organizations may include members of all ages but share the same advocacy goals.
Key Functions
The Council is entrusted with several functions to support and enhance youth development:
Advocacy on Youth Participation
The Council serves as the core advocate for youth participation in local governance and nation-building.
It works to empower young people by promoting their involvement in decision-making processes and public service.
Local Youth Development Plan (LYDP)
One of the LYDC’s primary responsibilities is to finalize a three-year Local Youth Development Plan (LYDP).
This plan, anchored in the Provincial Youth Development Plan (PYDP) and local government units’ development plans, outlines programs, projects, and activities that foster youth participation, sustainable development, and other key areas.
Monitoring and Evaluation
It is tasked with monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the LYDP.
This makes sure that the initiatives and programs designed for youth development are effectively carried out and meet their intended objectives.
Technical Assistance
The Council provides technical assistance in training Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and its members.
These trainings are aimed at building the capacity of youth leaders to advocate for and implement youth empowerment programs effectively.
Coordination
The LYDC coordinates with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on youth programs within its jurisdiction.
This collaboration ascertains that local and national efforts for youth development are aligned and complementary.
Qualifications for LYDC Members
To be eligible as an LYDC member, individuals must meet the following qualifications:
- Age: Must be between 15 and 30 years old.
- Citizenship: Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Residency: Must be a resident of the concerned province, city, or municipality for at least one year prior to election.
- Registration: The youth organization or youth-serving organization must be registered with the local government unit.
Members must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude and should not have any direct or indirect interest in contracts or transactions involving the Council .
How to Join the LYDC
Joining the LYDC involves several steps:
1. Registration of Youth Organization
First, youth organizations or youth-serving organizations need to register with the local government unit through the City or Municipal Local Youth Development Office.
This registration is required for participation in LYDC activities.
2. Nomination and Selection
Once registered, organizations can nominate representatives to be part of the Council.
The selection process, typically managed by the local government, ascertains wide and multi-sectoral representation, including members from various sectors of society.
3. Participation in LYDC Activities
As Council members, representatives will engage in various activities, such as:
- Advocating for youth participation in local governance.
- Finalizing and implementing the LYDP.
- Monitoring and evaluating youth programs.
- Providing technical assistance to youth organizations.
- Coordinating with the NYC and DILG on youth programs.
Impact of the LYDC on Youth Empowerment
The LYDC plays a significant role in youth empowerment through several key contributions:
Advocacy
By serving as the primary advocate for youth participation, the Council promotes meaningful engagement of young people in local governance and decision-making processes.
Planning and Implementation
The LYDC’s role in finalizing and implementing the LYDP ascertains that youth development efforts are well-planned and effectively executed, addressing the needs and aspirations of the youth.
Capacity Building
Through technical assistance and training, the LYDC builds the capacity of youth leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive youth empowerment programs.
Coordination and Collaboration
The LYDC promotes effective coordination and collaboration with national agencies like the NYC and DILG, aligning local efforts with broader national strategies for youth development.
Meeting Schedule
The LYDC typically meets quarterly, with additional special meetings as needed.
These meetings are essential for reviewing progress, planning activities, and addressing issues related to youth development efforts.
Special meetings provide flexibility to convene the council for urgent matters outside the regular schedule.
Recent Updates
Aklan SK Federation Embarks on Exploratory Learning Activity
The Provincial Federation of Sangguniang Kabataan of Aklan, led by Chairperson Hon. Angelika Javier Iledan, commenced an exploratory learning activity in Calatagan, Batangas City. The group visited the Municipal Hall and met with local officials, receiving warm hospitality and support for their upcoming Linggo ng Kabataan event.
The National Youth Commission (NYC) successfully conducted a regional workshop in Davao City, focusing on monitoring LYDO and SK training on PYDP-LYDP alignment. The workshop aimed to foster collaboration between national and local efforts, ascertaining that a unified approach towards empowering Filipino youth.
Empowering Youth in Misamis Oriental Through Collaborative Meetings
The 2nd Quarterly Meeting of the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation in Misamis Oriental is currently in session, focusing on uplifting and empowering local youth. This milestone gathering facilitates discussions and planning to drive efforts for the growth and development of Misamisnons.
The 2nd Quarter Meeting of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) and the inaugural joint meeting of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and LYDC took place, focusing on key discussions and planning for youth projects. Elected SK Chairpersons and LYDC leaders from various organizations gathered to review essential topics, share best practices, and strengthen youth governance in the community. The collaborative sessions were fruitful, sparking ideas for upcoming programs and solidifying the relationship between youth leaders for effective governance.
Video: Bonus Video: KK and LYDC
Dive into a bonus video detailing the KK and LYDC efforts to promote youth engagement in community development. Uncover how these programs empower young leaders to contribute to local governance and social progress.
Conclusion
The Local Youth Development Council is an essential platform for youth involvement in local governance, providing opportunities for young leaders to contribute to their communities.
By fostering wide and multi-sectoral participation, the LYDC plays an important role in shaping policies and programs that address the needs of the youth.
Through its various functions, the LYDC not only empowers the youth but also makthat they are actively involved in nation-building, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future.
Active participation in the Council can lead to meaningful changes and sustainable youth development, highlighting the importance of supporting and strengthening these councils across the Philippines.