The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED), conducted the regional rollout of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2025, issued by the DILG, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Youth Commission (NYC) on August 1, 2025, Friday. The Circular outlines the guidelines for the proper processing and management of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) funds.
The orientation was attended by Local Youth Development Officers (LYDO), SK Federation Presidents, Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Presidents, other Local Government functionaries, and DILG-NCR Field Officers. It focused on the flow of funds from the DBM to barangay levels and, ultimately, to the SK, discussing proper budget management, transparency, and accountability.
In her opening remarks, Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility in public service.
âAng pondong ito ay ipinagkakatiwala ng pamahalaan, ng Kagawaran, ng barangay, at higit sa lahat, ng sambayanang Pilipino. Sa kamay ninyong mga opisyal nakasalalay ang pagbuo ng makabuluhang pagbabago sa inyong mga pamayanan,â ARD Cortez said.
Atty. Ryan S. Lita, Director of the DBM Local Government and Regional Coordination Bureau, provided a comprehensive overview of the JMC, detailing the systematic transfer of funds from the National Government down to the grassroots level.
Local Government Operations Officer V Arnie C. Paquiz reported on the SK Full Disclosure Policy (SKFDP), reminding both the barangay and SK officials of their responsibility to ensure transparency to their constituents by ensuring that the necessary and related documents and plans are neatly provided and seen by the public.
An open forum followed, with SK officials and local functionaries engaging in a dynamic and constructive exchange with representatives from the DILG, DBM, and NYC. Several SK officials genuinely expressed interest in operationalizing the JMC to support youth development programs in their respective communities.
Notably, an SK treasurer proposed the digitization of the budgeting process, as being practical and having the potential to modernize financial workflows to improve efficiency and accessibility. At the same time, other SK officials were also grateful to the agencies for the clarity and direction provided through the orientation.
In her closing message, LGOO VI Marda Alina R. Dumaoang-Acoba, LGMED Assistant Division Chief, stated the broader impact of well-implemented SK projects.
âSa bawat proyektong maisusulong ay may pamilyang matutulungan, may kabataang mahihikayat, at may komunidad na uunlad,â she concluded.
The DILG-NCR remains committed to strengthening grassroots governance and youth development through sustained efforts with national agencies and local partners. The Department will continue to provide technical assistance and monitor the implementation of SK programs to ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress in every barangay.