Aimed at providing comprehensive capacity-building programs tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by youth leaders in the Municipality of Kawayan, the Office of the Vice Mayor of Kawayan, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kawayan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Biliran, and Biliran Province State University, through the School of Arts and Sciences, launched the Project SKKY (Sa Kawayan Kaya Yan) at the university gymnasium from January 19 to 21.

This project, a product of a quadripartite agreement among Hon. Jake Espina, vice-mayor of Kawayan as the project leader; the DILG-Biliran, BiPSU, and the LGU-Kawayan, aims to collaborate and enable Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members from all barangays of Kawayan to emerge as competent, proactive, and transformative agents of change. 

The three-day seminar series began with foundational topics, starting with Hon. Rene Villaflores, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Kawayan chair on Laws and Rules, who led a session on "Internal Rules of Procedure: The Blueprint for Effective Governance," followed by Mr. Dexter Narrido, MLGOO of LGU Naval, who presented "Mastering Parliamentary Procedure: Empowering SK Leaders for Effective Governance."

In his message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. expressed his full support for the program. He is also confident that it would help the delegates develop the skills needed to lead effectively.

"I served as an SK chairman back then in Masagongsong, and the experiences I gained have shaped skills that I still carry with me today as the president of BiPSU which is why I give this project my full support, knowing that the delegates will be equipped with the knowledge to become exceptional leaders,” he said.

As the seminar moved to Day 2, the focus shifted to more specialized topics. James V. Lambit, community affairs assistant at the LGU-Naval, covered the "CBYDP and ABYIP" and the "Budget Process," providing delegates with essential knowledge on youth development and financial management. 

Moreover, Yvonne M. Mocorro, municipal treasurer of LGU-Kawayan, led a session on the "Procurement Process," and Stephen Nee Jadulco, municipal accountant of LGU Kawayan, concluded the day with sessions on "Disbursement and Documentary Requirements for Common Government Transactions" and the "SK Full Disclosure Policy," emphasizing transparency and accountability in government transactions.

In an interview, Vice Mayor Jake Espina, project overall coordinator of the SKKY program, shared that his struggles as a new youth leader inspired the project, as he wants to provide SKs the training and opportunities he once lacked to help them unlock their full potential.

“As a new youth leader back in 2021, I was full of passion to serve but I felt I lacked the necessary skills and I felt lost,” VM Espina said. “Yet through the training and seminars I received, I found the confidence and empowerment I needed; and now I’m determined to ensure the SKs of Kawayan have the same opportunities to unlock their potential and become the leaders they’re meant to be.”

Additionally, he expressed his enthusiasm that the three-day seminar has helped the delegates develop a stronger sense of purpose in leadership.

"I hope the three-day seminar has made an impact by helping delegates unlock their full potential, refining both their skills and personal growth, and fostering self-awareness so they could better serve their fellow youths as leaders," VM Espina added.

Meanwhile, during the final day, the seminar focused on leadership ethics and communication, with Kenette Ticoy, LYDO-designate of Cabucgayan, leading a session on "Ethical Leadership and Core Values in SK Governance," followed by Atty. Dick Guiller G. Delfin, legal officer of BiPSU, who addressed "Decision-Making and Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership.”

Additionally, Dr. John Cavin M. Sabonsolin, chairperson of BA Communication, discussed "Effective Communication in Leadership" and Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda, executive assistant to the University President of BiPSU, introduced "Futures Thinking for SK Leaders."

In an interview, Shem Dejarlo, an SK Kagawad and second-year student, expressed her gratitude for the program, noting that it provided her with knowledge that would help her become a more effective youth leader in her barangay.

“I am very grateful that our Vice Mayor, Jake Espina, was able to come up with this project because I believe I still have areas of knowledge to improve as an SK Kagawad,” she said. “Throughout the three days of learning in this program, I have gained so much valuable insight that will truly help me become a more effective youth leader in our barangay.”

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.]