ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Iloilo City is embarking on one of its most ambitious youth-centered initiatives to date — a month-long celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan 2025 filled with educational, environmental, and health-focused activities, alongside the launch of its first-ever scholarship program and a planned pilot Youth Center in La Paz district.
With the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the August lineup goes beyond traditional barangay-based efforts, aiming to impact young Ilonggos across schools and underserved communities.
“Our focus this year is to go beyond the barangay level. We’re partnering with schools and institutions to bring our services closer to where the youth are,” said SK federation president Jelma Crystel Implica in an interview with Panay News.
Among the key events scheduled throughout the month are:
AUGUST 10
* Rise in Faith: SK Youth Day Mass
* Lakat Kabataan: Grand Youth Parade
* Kabataan sa Laban: One-Day Volleyball League
* ILOILO Advocacy Youth Summit
AUGUST 12
* SKwela sa Kaalaman: A youth symposium addressing mental health, HIV/AIDS, anti-smoking, and anti-drug awareness in partnership with ICAST and schools.
AUGUST 14
* Tanum Paglaum: A mangrove-planting mission
* Eco Talks: Sessions on environmental awareness
AUGUST 17–22
* Community Social Circus
* Kabataang Iskolar ng Barangay: An educational aid program
* Serbisyo Para sa Katawhan: Medical and dental mission
* Sama-Samang Kaalaman: Science education for out-of-school youth
* SKYLINE: Culmination event with performances, SKY Awards, and LeadCom Chromebook distribution for students
Pioneering scholarship program
This year also marks the debut of the SK Federation’s scholarship program, targeting the most indigent students in seven public high schools in the city. Each school will endorse 10 students — two per grade level — who will receive school supplies such as shoes, uniforms, and other necessities.
“This is our first time piloting an educational support initiative. It may be small, but it’s a start. We’re prioritizing the most in-need students, based on school recommendations,” Implica explained.
Guidelines and application procedures for the scholarship are expected to be released soon.
Iloilo City’s first Youth Center
In a bold move toward institutional support for youth development, the SK Federation is also preparing to establish the city’s first Youth Center in La Paz. The facility will be equipped with computers, study areas, printing services, and recreational spaces for young people who lack access to such resources at home.
“Being a student myself before, I know how hard it is to find resources. We want to create a space where young Ilonggos can study, research, and access technology they may not have at home,” Implica said.
Though initially planned for launch this August, the opening has been postponed to September due to the demands of the Linggo ng Kabataan preparations. The SK Federation, with the full support of Mayor Raisa Treñas, plans to replicate the Youth Center in other city districts.
“Suportado naton ang SK Federation of Iloilo sa tanan nga youth-building programs. I am certain nga mangin successful gid ini nga mga initiatives, kag proud ako gid sa mga pinalangga ko nga Kabataang Ilonggo,” Mayor Treñas said./PN
