ILOILO City – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6 clarified that while Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials are now entitled to civil service eligibility, it should not be mistaken as an automatic qualification for higher government positions.
Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said the inclusion of SK officials under the Civil Service Commission (CSC) eligibility system is a welcome recognition of youth involvement in governance — but it comes with limitations.
“Before, SK kagawads were not covered by CSC eligibility, but now they are. However, their eligibility is only first level, not professional,” Ingeniero explained. “If they want to qualify for higher or professional positions, they still need to take the professional-level exam. The first-level eligibility, or what we used to call ‘sub-prof,’ is only applicable for administrative positions.”
Ingeniero also clarified that SK chairpersons are already entitled to Barangay Official Eligibility (BOE) under existing rules, while the inclusion of SK secretaries and treasurers remains uncertain pending official guidance.
“We cannot confirm yet if secretaries or treasurers are included because there’s still no implementing rules and regulations (IRR) or guidance from the Civil Service Commission. Our legal team has been advised to meet with the CSC to clarify these technicalities,” he said.
The clarification followed the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) October 7 announcement that the grant of Sangguniang Kabataan Official Eligibility (SKOE) is not a matter of discretion but a mandate under Republic Act No. 11768, or the Act Strengthening the Sangguniang Kabataan.
Under CSC Resolution No. 2500752, promulgated on July 24, 2025, SK officials in good standing — whether elected or appointed — who have completed a full three-year term of office or its equivalent are entitled to SKOE.
The eligibility applies only to first-level positions in the government’s career service, excluding those that require board licensure or special eligibilities.
“This privilege, granted exclusively to duly elected and appointed SK officials, recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and affirms their contributions to public service,” CSC Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap said in a statement. “Through the SKOE, we empower young leaders to pursue careers in government and continue their service to the Filipino people.”
The CSC added that the coverage extends to SK secretaries and treasurers appointed by the SK chairperson with the concurrence of the council, provided they were in office after the effectivity of RA 11768 on June 1, 2022. However, SK chairpersons remain covered under the BOE as stipulated in the Local Government Code of 1991.
Qualified SK officials may begin applying for SKOE starting October 5, 2025, through the CSC regional or field offices. The commission also warned that any eligibility granted to unqualified individuals may be revoked if found inconsistent with existing laws or regulations.
Ingeniero welcomed the move as a progressive step toward professionalizing youth participation in governance but cautioned young leaders to view it as a responsibility rather than a reward.
“This is a recognition of the value of our young leaders,” he said. “But at the same time, it reminds them that leadership and service come with accountability and continuous learning.”/PN
