Emphasizing the importance of youth leadership in the country, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos challenges all Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) aspirants to organize and establish programs that will address issues affecting youth well-being, especially unemployment and teenage pregnancy.

“Today’s youth face many problems, and unemployment is one serious problem. Many college graduates do not have jobs. Aside from that, we also have rising cases of teenage pregnancy, suicide, and bullying in the country that need to be addressed,” Governor Marcos said.

As former National Chairman of the Kabataang Barangay (KB), she attended the 43rd Mindanao Grand KB Reunion in Cagayan de Oro City last April 14.

The KB was the country’s first youth federation established during the administration of Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos and was regarded as the predecessor of today’s SK.

Citing her programs during her days as KB chairman, Governor Marcos emphasized, ‘You can see the transformation that a youth group can bring about if they’re committed, if they’re determined and full of purpose.

“The SK should focus on addressing issues concerning the youth instead of doing beauty pageants and tree-planting activities na hindi naman dinidiligan at puro pictures lang,” she added.

Earlier, she had visited Mt. Samat wherein one of her KB projects was reforestation of the area, including maintenance and nurturing of the young trees.

“Today, it is gratifying to see that the trees are all there and the place is so beautiful.”

Governor Marcos also lauded how the area is being promoted as a tourism facility by TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority).

The Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay election is set on May 14, 2018.