23/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE | NYC CALLS ON SK LEADERS TO CHAMPION YOUTH HEALTH IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
The National Youth Commission (NYC) is calling on Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials across the country to become stronger champions of youth health and well-being in their communities, following the approval of a resolution encouraging young leaders to actively promote and help implement health-related laws at the grassroots level.
Approved by the Commission Proper through ad referendum on May 19, 2026, under the leadership of Chairperson and CEO Undersecretary Joseph Francisco โJeffโ R. Ortega, the resolution reinforces the growing role of the youth in building healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Sponsored by the Commissioner representing Mindanao and Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) Chairperson on Health, Assistant Secretary Bianca Patrice C. Go, the measure recognizes SK officials not only as representatives of the youth sector but also as frontliners in advancing health awareness, inclusion, and community-driven governance.
Grounded in the 1987 Constitution, the Youth in Nation-Building Act, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act, the resolution underscores the Stateโs responsibility to empower young Filipinos and ensure their active participation in programs and policies that directly affect their welfare. Among the key laws highlighted in the resolution were the Universal Health Care Act, Mental Health Act, Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, and Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Aligned with the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023โ2028, the initiative envisions a generation of empowered youth capable of making informed and healthy choices, accessing quality health services, and contributing meaningfully to nation-building.
Recognizing the realities faced by many young Filipinos today, the NYC emphasized the vital role of SKs in localizing health initiatives and making them more accessible at the community level. The resolution encourages SK officials to integrate health-centered programs and activities into their Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP) and Annual Barangay Youth Investment Plan (ABYIP), such as information drives, youth forums, and community dialogues, while strengthening partnerships with local health offices, schools, and other stakeholders, ensuring that youth health remains a priority in local governance. It also emphasizes the importance of inclusive programs that prioritize marginalized and vulnerable sectors, including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, women, youth in conflict with the law, and individuals with diverse SOGIESC.
For the NYC, meaningful and sustainable health programs begin when young people themselves are empowered to lead. Through stronger youth participation and community engagement, the Commission hopes to inspire a new generation of SK officials to become proactive advocates for youth health in every barangay. As communities continue to face evolving health challenges, the NYCโs latest initiative sends a clear message: the youth are not just the future of the nationโthey are active partners in building healthier and more resilient communities today.
