Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano advocated for meaningful reforms, not the abolishment of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

In his address to students at Cebu Technological University on April 16, Cayetano emphasized the continued importance of student councils and youth governance in developing the country's future leaders.

Cayetano underscored that the primary issue regarding these programs is not their existence but rather how they are implemented and supported.

He maintained that corruption issues stem from external influences rather than the youth themselves. Instead of dismantling these structures, the senator emphasized that efforts should focus on improving them.

“There were three stands. One is to abolish [SK] completely. The other one is to keep it as it is. And the other one is [to have] major reforms. [But] if the student is being taught by the teacher to be corrupt, why will you abolish the student? Why not abolish the teacher? Logic lang,” he said.

“[We should put] emphasis on prioritization. I think student councils prepare you. It's a lesson in democracy, it's a lesson in governance. Whether it's SK, the student council, we lack the emphasis, the prioritization, the funds, and the program to actually train you to be leaders,” he said.

He pointed out that while leadership training initiatives exist, many fall short due to insufficient support and resources.

“Training programs are important. But programs need resources. It needs money, it needs models, it needs mission and vision, it needs mentors,” he said.

According to Cayetano, investing in youth leadership programs is a long-term strategy to cultivate more capable public servants.

He emphasized the importance of empowering young people, noting that they often approach issues with a valuable, idealistic mindset.

He added that strengthening these platforms can help connect campus leadership experiences with future roles in government service.

“Remember your power. Ang students mas pure ang hinihingi niyan kasi mas malawak pa [at] mas idealistic pa y’ung pag-iisip,” he said.

-Paraluman News