The Department of the Interior and Local Government Rehiyon Dose recognized the Most Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan for the first time in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region last November 14, 2021, during the Regional Awarding Ceremony of the Governance Exemplars for Meaningful Service for SK (GEMS for SK).

The ceremony was conducted at The Farm at Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, attended by the Members of the Regional Management Committee headed by DILG Dose Regional Director Josephine Cabrido- Leysa, CESO III, SK Regional Federation Officers, C/MLGOOs, and other partners in the Monitoring and Evaluation Teams.

Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Poblacion, Alabel, Sarangani Province was hailed Rank #1 with a performance score of 105.37, while Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City is rank 2 with a score of 99.81, it was followed by Barangay Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato with a score of 93.15, followed Barangay Impao, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat with a score of 92.90 and Barangay Magkaalam Magpet, Province of Cotabato with a score of 92.34.

Special citations were also given to SK Poblacion, Alabel for their outstanding performance in development planning, and leadership and innovativeness.  The Sangguniang Kabataan of Kablon, Tupi was also recognized for championing organizational effectiveness and financial administration, while SK Impao, Isulan, was lauded as best in financial administration.

Meanwhile, SK Kablon, Tupi was also commended for being the best in paper documentation, while SK Magkaalam, Magpet, was hailed best in the oral presentation.  Moreover, SK Calumpang, General Santos City, received special citations for its “Tanum Kaalam Program,” the best innovative practice, and video documentation.

“This feat symbolizes your great commitment to upholding the principles of good governance in the implementation of the different programs, projects, and activities to empower the youth.” Director Leysa said in her message to the awardees.  “I strongly believe that through this GEMS for SK, we will be able to plant the seeds for you to become the next exemplary leaders of our country,” she added.

Two days before the ceremony, the SK Monitoring and Evaluation Team members at the Regional, Provincial, and Highly Urbanized City were convened to assess the 2021 GEMS for SK and draft next year’s implementation guidelines.