BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
The provincial government of Pangasinan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth programs and initiatives.
Officials from various Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils in the province’s fourth district recently gathered in the towns of Mangaldan and San Jacinto to engage in a dialogue with local government representatives.
The event served as an opportunity for SK leaders to present the needs of their barangays and discuss ongoing projects aimed at youth development.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino emphasized the importance of active youth participation in governance and social issues.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the youth of Pangasinan, especially to those who dedicate their time and effort to serving their barangays. The provincial government is here to guide and support you, but ultimately, the decisions for your communities’ future rest in your hands,” said Lambino.
For SK officials, such dialogues provide a platform to address their concerns, particularly in education and technology.
SK Chairperson Marinell Espiritu highlighted their priority for the year, which includes improving access to digital resources for students in their barangay.
“Our focus is on education and participation. We hope to secure financial assistance from the provincial government to acquire additional computers, laptops, and printers, as these are among the top requests from students in our community,” Espiritu said.
Governor Ramon Guico III assured the youth leaders that a designated budget is allocated per district to support their projects.
“Each district will receive funding based on the number of towns per area. The minimum budget ranges from 250,000 pesos to 350,000 pesos. If your project requires a larger budget, you may implement it in phases, and we will find the necessary funds year after year,” Guico explained.
Beyond financial support, the governor also assured the SK leaders that the provincial government would provide guidance to ensure their projects are effectively implemented.
The event concluded with optimism, as youth leaders returned to their barangays with renewed inspiration and confidence, knowing that their initiatives have the support of the provincial government.
The activity also saw participation from local government officials of Mangaldan, San Jacinto, and Manaoag, further strengthening the collaboration between the provincial government and the youth sector.
