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Youth Participation and Perception Towards Sangguniang Kabataan Officials’

Duties and Functions: Basis for an Intervention Program

Ellyca June T. Corder, Melissa Dhanne M. Arcega, Kheeyan Io L. Bautista, Gerald Racman T.
Bubong, Potre Janna M. Bubong, Jellian Sam S. Cadungog, Anthonet D. Gildo
Notre Dame of Marbel University – Integrated Basic Education Department Senior High School
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Vanessa Ivy L. Natabio, MAEd

Senior High School Teacher

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the level of youth participation in Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)
activities, explore their perceptions of the duties and functions of the SK, and provide an overview of the current
level of participation and youth knowledge of SK duties and functions, seeking their recommendations for
improvement. The respondents were chosen through a purposive sampling technique with 52 respondents. The
researchers utilized a quantitative descriptive research design. An adapted survey instrument sourced from Castillo
et al., (2024) and Catapang (2024) was used. The data was analyzed using mean and the Likert Scale data analysis
approach. The level of youth participation in Sangguniang Kabataan activities shows a “Moderate” interpretation.
The level of perception toward SK officers' duties and functions is high, this suggests that young people recognize
SK’s presence in governance and its role in advocating for youth-related concerns. However, the youth’s
suggestions shared governance and its role for youth concerns, which highlight the youth's desire for the SK to play
a more comprehensive role in their community. The depiction that the respondents have a moderate participation
rate in activities of the Sangguniang Kabataan and the high suggestions of mental health awareness and well-being
activities enhancing youth participation are the basis for the intervention program to be implemented.

Keywords: Participation, Perception, Sangguniang Kabataan, Suggestion, Youth

1. INTRODUCTION directly engage in local governance (National Youth

Commission, 2021). A popular quote from Dr. Jose Rizal
Background of the Study states that “Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan”,
postulating the essentiality of the role that youth have in
One of the most vital government institutions in the society. They serve as the hope of the nation as their youth
Philippines is the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), they are a brims them with the anticipated possibility for the country to
form of local government that represents and pursues affairs be propelled to a better state than what is present. According
generally impacting the youth and serve as a starting point for to Castillo et al. (2024), a nation's future is neglected when its
them to engage politically—promoting public service and youth are neglected, and the consequences are typically
active citizenship at an early age. Its establishment was severe and pricey. Therefore, it is impossible to exaggerate
inaugurated in Chapters 8 to 10 in the Local Government the importance of how the SK is viewed, particularly in a
Code of 1991 and revised by the Sangguniang Kabataan nation like the Philippines where a sizable portion of the
Reform Act of 2015 (RA 10742). These state that the youth population is under 30 (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020).
are vital to nation building and the establishment of the This particular study focuses on the participation,
Sangguniang Kabataan encourages youth involvement in perceptions, and suggestions of youth residing in Purok
public and civic affairs, enabling them to participate in local Maligaya toward their SK official duties, activities, and
governance. The SK officers are elected by the members of responsibilities. Whilst ranging from 3-6 children per
the Katipunan ng Kabataan consisting of citizens aged 15-30 household, they lack essential resources like water,
years. Section 423 states that a citizen can be elected once sanitation, better work opportunities around the community,
they have passed the age of twenty-one (21), which provides and programs that propel active youth participation.
an opportunity for young people to represent their own and

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implement change. As a result, the researchers of that study

According to an international study conducted by believed that to provide better services and have greater
Checkoway and Gutiérrez (2006), involving young people in influence over the public, it is essential to conceptualize and
the processes of community development through youth study the youth's interests in terms of governance. The study
participation and decision-making is crucial for creating recommends and urges the SK to investigate the perceptions
positive change and empowering them to become active of the youth to foster more participation by applying their
citizens, creating an engaged, equitable, and interconnected interests in future programs or activities.
community. The authors emphasize the importance of
viewing young people as "resources" rather than "problems" This study investigated and analyzed the level of
and challenge the conventional view that states that they are perceptions, participation, and suggestions of youth in their
the main beneficiaries of services. The study highlights the Sangguniang Kabataan at Purok Maligaya. First, seeking how
advantages of engaging young people in the research process the youth perceives the duties and functions of the SK,
through active participation. Additionally, it presents youth considering their effectiveness and significance. Second,
development methods, which are meant to empower youth, measuring the level of participation of youth in the area,
Propelling an investigation of the SK's programs and regarding their motivations for participation and the majority
initiatives, and whether they are contributing to the reasons for their lack of engagement. Third, seeking the
development of the youth in Purok Maligaya. These youth’s suggestions for improving the SK’s activities. Lastly,
approaches contribute to the study since they take into developing an intervention by identifying possible areas for
account the opinions, engagement, and recommendations of increasing the SK's impact on youth participation in
young people. government, aiding in the development of effective youth
engagement policies and activities based on the study’s
Comparing this study with the study of Castillo et outcomes.
al. (2024), both studies concentrate on the effectiveness of the
youth-led governance body, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), in Regardless of the given studies, there is still a
involving youth in local governance. Although Purok drastic lack of studies about the participation, perceptions,
Maligaya, Barangay Mabini is the focus of this study, the and suggestions of youth in the Sangguniang Kabataan and
mentioned study offers a more comprehensive perspective on an even more severe lack of studies within rural areas like
the efficacy of SK and youth attitudes in other places. One this. The youth cannot be the hope of the nation when at its
key area of overlap is the exploration of youth participation basic levels, there are notable knowledge gaps about the
in the SK. The referenced study examines factors that youth’s participation, perceptions, and suggestions in the
influence youth involvement, which can provide valuable organization that the government has established for them to
insights into understanding the dynamics at play in the develop and prosper civically. The study of Castillo et al.
community. By examining participation rates and identifying (2024) considers the relevance of SK and youth civic
barriers to involvement, both studies aim to suggest ways to participation on a national level, yet may create a gap,
increase youth engagement with the SK. The demographic overlooking the fact that youth success is derived from its
analysis presented in the referenced study is also relevant, as basic relationships and communities, as when young people
it can help contextualize the differences in youth participation combine their strengths with opportunities for social
across various socio-economic groups. Understanding how interaction and supportive resources, they positively impact
factors like age, education, and economic background their communities (Wenth & Peterson, 2020).
influence youth involvement can provide a foundation for To reduce teenage individualism and encourage
targeted interventions in Purok Maligaya. Both studies their involvement, an intervention program was developed.
address perceptions of SK officials and their duties, helping By concentrating on a less populous and rural setting like
to identify how youth view the role of their SK leaders. Purok Maligaya, our study fills in these gaps and the lack of
local research on the subject. It also emphasizes how
According to a local study by Domingo et al. important intervention initiatives are to preventing teenage
(2023), One of the main foundations of youth citizenship is skepticism and promoting involvement, especially in a small
the Sangguniang Kabataan, since the organization itself plays locality like this. If we wish to understand more about how
a vital role in fostering a greater society. Nonetheless, the young people in the Philippines participate in local
youth's interests are elements that both the organization and governance on a national and local level, these gaps must be
its members need to take into account in order to successfully filled. By examining these underprivileged locations, this

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study aims to close a knowledge gap about the role of the This study investigated the degree of youth involvement and
Sangguniang Kabataan and offer a framework for an how they view the responsibilities and roles of Sangguniang
inclusive, involved, and youth-centered government. Kabataan (SK) officials in Purok Maligaya, Barangay
Mabini, City of Koronadal. This study also has the potential
to shed light on the SK's efficacy as a young governance
Statement of the Problem body and pinpoint areas in which youth engagement needs to
be strengthened. This study will benefit multiple
This study was conducted to assess the level of stakeholders:
youth participation in Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) activities
in Purok Maligaya, Barangay Mabini, and explore their Youth: This study will directly help the kids of Purok
perceptions of the duties and functions of SK. It also Maligaya, Barangay Mabini, as it offers valuable insights into
evaluates the perceived effectiveness of the Katipunan ng their involvement and perspectives of the Sangguniang
Kabataan towards SK officials and gathers suggestions from Kabataan (SK). The study can guide the creation of initiatives
the youth to improve SK-related activities. and programs that promote greater involvement and
engagement with local governance by gaining better
1. What is the level of participation of youth in knowledge of the difficulties and obstacles they encounter.
Sangguniang Kabataan activities?
2. What is the respondents’ level of perceptions Future SK Candidates: The results of this survey will help
towards Sangguniang Kabataan officials’ duties future SK candidates better grasp the needs, worries, and
and functions? aspirations of the young people in their community. This
3. What are the youth’s suggestions regarding the study can offer important insights into how SK candidates
improvement of Sangguniang Kabataan officials in can improve their relationship with their constituency, tackle
their related activities? problems that are most important to young people, and fortify
4. What intervention can be developed based on the their campaign tactics by looking at the current interactions
result of the study? between SK officials and the youth.

Barangay: The findings of this study can inform the

Conceptual Framework
development of targeted programs and initiatives that address
the specific needs and concerns of the youth in Barangay
Mabini. By understanding the perspectives and experiences
of the youth, the barangay can create more effective and
responsive governance structures.

Purok Maligaya: As a smaller unit within Barangay Mabini,

Purok Maligaya can benefit from this study by gaining a
deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of its young
residents. The study's findings can help Purok officials
develop more effective strategies for engaging and involving
the youth in local governance and decision-making processes.

Future Researchers: This study will be helpful as a starting

point for future research on issues about youth engagement,
local governance, and the Sangguniang Kabataan.
Figure 1.
Scope of the Study
This study determined the level of participation of
youth in Sangguniang Kabataan activities, the level of youth This study focuses on examining youth perceptions
perception towards Sangguniang Kabataan Officials’ Duties regarding the duties, activities, and responsibilities of SK
and Functions, and the youth’s suggestions for the officials, including their perceived effectiveness and
Sangguniang Kabataan’s focus for implementation. This has significance. It will measure the level of youth participation
shown that the result of the level of youth participation, level in SK activities in the area, exploring their motivations for
of youth perceptions, and youth suggestions has an impact on participation. It will also gather suggestions from youth on
the kind and type of intervention that will be implemented. how to improve SK-related activities. The study will identify
Moreover, the intervention to be done is purely based on the possible areas for interventions to increase youth
responses of the youth and the findings of this study. participation in government, aiding in the development of
effective youth engagement policies and activities based on
Significance of the Study the study's outcomes.

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The research is limited to youth residing in Purok be inherently numerical or assigned quantitative values for
Maligaya, Barangay Mabini, City of Koronadal, targeting analysis. Statistical techniques, ranging from simple to
youth aged 15-24 years. It will primarily gather data through complex, are then used to interpret the results. Descriptive
surveys and observations. The study does not extend to other design enables the researchers to quantify youth perceptions
regions or address broader national policies but instead of the SK’s role, effectiveness, and relevance to their
concentrates on the local context. Additionally, the study concerns and understand how youth view the SK’s activities.
focuses on the perspectives of young people in Purok
Maligaya who are neither officers nor candidates for the Locale of the Study
Sangguniang Kabataan.
The study was conducted in Purok Maligaya, a
The study was conducted to provide a program small community within Barangay Mabini, Koronadal City,
framework in line with the recommendations and perceptions South Cotabato. Purok Maligaya was chosen for being an
of the youth, fostering an inclusive and empowering adopted community of Notre Dame of Marbel University
environment for them. Senior High School, making it an ideal setting to evaluate
participation, and perceptions, and to implement a program to
Definition of Terms aid them based on the suggestions regarding the improvement
of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) activities.
Participation – Participation refers to the level of
engagement of Barangay Mabini's youth in SK activities, Respondents of the Study
including attendance at meetings, involvement in community
projects, and contribution to decision-making. Out of the 215 youth population in Purok Maligaya,
52 were selected to be the study’s respondents. The selection
Perception – In this research, perception pertains to how the of the sample size of this study was computed using the
youth of Barangay Mabini interpret and understand the role, Cochran formula. The margin of error is 10%, with a 90%
effectiveness, and relevance of the Sangguniang Kabataan confidence level (z-value=1.645), and 0.5 or 50% estimated
(SK) based on their personal experiences, knowledge, and proportion, which calculated the sample size as
social influences. approximately fifty-two (52).

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) – The Sangguniang Kabataan Sampling Technique

is the youth council in Barangay Mabini, established under
the "Local Government Code of 1991" (Republic Act No. The respondents of this study were primarily
7160) to represent and address the needs of young people at selected using the purposive sampling technique, a non-
the barangay level, promoting leadership and civic probability sampling method involving the selection of the
engagement. respondents based on the specific criteria applicable to the
research objectives. According to Creswell (2012), purposive
Suggestion – In this study, suggestion refers to the ideas or sampling is a technique where researchers intentionally select
recommendations provided by the youth regarding possible participants or sites to learn about a phenomenon. Hence, the
improvements in SK programs, leadership, and community researchers selected individuals based on the following
involvement. criteria: (a) age ranging from 15-30, (b) Residency in Purok
Maligaya, Barangay Mabini.
Youth – In this study, youth refers to the Katipunan ng
Kabataan, individuals aged 15 to 30 years old residing in Research Instrument
Barangay Mabini, Koronadal City. This age range aligns with
the definition provided in the "Youth in Nation-Building Act" This study utilized a survey instrument adapted
(Republic Act No. 8044), which aims to develop a national from Castillo et al. (2024), and Catapang (2024). The first
youth program fostering leadership, social responsibility, and consists of the (a) respondents’ perceptions regarding the
civic engagement. duties and functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan, the
second adapted survey was from Catapang (2024), which
2. METHODOLOGY consists of questions regarding the (b) level of participation
of the respondents in Sangguniang Kabataan activities, and
Research Design lastly the (c) suggestions of respondents regarding the
improvement of Sangguniang Kabataan officials and their
The researchers utilized a quantitative descriptive related activities.
research design to describe youth perceptions, participation,
and suggestions in Sangguniang Kabataan activities within Data Gathering Procedure
Purok Maligaya, Barangay Mabini. According to Coghlan
and Brydon-Miller, quantitative research uses numerical data The data was gathered by the following steps: First,
to analyze relationships and compare data sets. This data can the researchers created a survey questionnaire which was

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validated by three research teachers. Second, the researchers

developed a consent letter to allow the researchers to go Table 1
outside the campus which was approved by the researchers’
research advisers, the Senior High School principal, the
prefect of discipline, and the school principal of Esperanza Mean Description Interpretation
National High School. Third, the researchers proceeded to Range
identify the respondents based on the given criteria. Fourth,
consent letters along with the survey questionnaires were 4.21 - 5.00 Strongly Agree Very High
given to the respondents about the safekeeping of information
between the researchers. Fifth, during the given time and 3.41 - 4.20 Agree High
date, the researchers proceeded to survey the respondents and
collected the data provided by their answers. Lastly, the 2.61 - 3.40 Neutral Moderate
researchers evaluated the answers after the data was
collected. 1.81 - 2.60 Disagree Low

Ethical Considerations 1.00 - 1.80 Strongly Disagree Very Low

The researchers have strictly adhered to the ethical (Sözen, 2024) and (Yaacob, 2019)
guidelines throughout the study. Participants were provided
with informed consent forms before any data collection 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
occurred. The survey questionnaire excluded sensitive or
intrusive questions to ensure participant comfort. To protect SOP 1: The level of participation of youth in
participant confidentiality, all responses were anonymized Sangguniang Kabataan activities
and used exclusively for academic purposes. The
trustworthiness of the study was ensured by using validated Table 2
and adapted survey instruments that align with the research
objectives. These instruments were carefully selected to
capture reliable and relevant data. Statistical methods were Indicators Mean Description Interpretation
applied during the analysis to ensure accuracy and
objectivity. Dependability was achieved by using I actively participate in 3.42 Agree High
consistency. Procedures for data collection, analysis, and community-based
interpretation. Detailed documentation of the methodology projects or activities
will allow other researchers to replicate the study and obtain organized by the
comparable results. The findings of this study are context- Sangguniang Kabataan
specific to Purok Maligaya, Barangay Mabini, and the unique to promote active
characteristics of its youth population. While the data may citizenship.
not be universally applicable, it can serve as a reference for
similar studies in comparable communities. The I actively participate in 3.40 Neutral Moderate
confirmability of the research can be expounded on the Sangguniang Kabataan
ability of other researchers to replicate this study concerning activities that increase
the original author. Researchers should establish boundaries my intellectual growth
that set the limit of the replicability of the data. and abilities.

Data Analysis I actively participate in 3.36 Neutral Moderate

Sangguniang Kabataan
The results were analyzed using a mean to identify activities that improve
the level of participation, level of perception, and the my ability to work
suggestions of the youth. Mean is the average of all the effectively with others
numbers within the dataset. The five-point level Likert Scale and engage in the
was also utilized to measure the level of youth participation, community.
perceptions, and suggestions. A Likert scale is widely used to
I actively participate in 3.29 Neutral Moderate
assess attitudes, knowledge, perceptions, values, and
Sangguniang Kabataan
behavioral changes. It consists of a series of statements that
activities that increased
respondents rate based on their level of agreement (Vogt,
my commitment to
2013).
community involvement
and civic engagement
Likert Scale Interpretations

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I actively seek 3.31 Neutral Moderate significant role in

innovative solutions representing the
when faced with youth in local
community issues as a government.
part of my barangay’s
youth. The Sangguniang 3.75 Agree High
Kabataan effectively
I actively encourage and 3.44 Agree High implements youth-
support creative focused programs
thinking for SK events and initiatives in the
within my barangay’s community.
youth.
The SK adequately 3.48 Agree High
Weighted Mean 3.37 Neutral Moderate advocates for youth-
related issues within
the local
government.
Table 2 shows the result of the level of
participation and it reveals the total weighted mean of 3.37, The SK successfully 3.60 Agree High
which interprets the “Neutral” description and indicates a promotes the welfare
“Moderate” level of interpretation. This suggests that the of young people in
youth moderately participate in the activities by SK. Since the community.
the weighted mean is not at its maximum value, it implies
that there is still room for improvement in terms of youth The SK is effective 3.52 Agree High
participation, indicating a need for more political and in promoting civic
civic involvement in youth. Since the weighted mean is at engagement among
a moderate state, it implies that there is much room for youth.
improvement in terms of youth participation, indicating
the need for more political and civic involvement in youth Weighted Mean 3.70 Agree High
within Purok Maligaya.

The total weighted mean of 3.37 indicates a Table 3 shows the result of the level of perception
"Moderate" level of interpretation, which corresponds to and it revealed a total weighted mean of 3.70, which
the "Neutral" description (Checkoway, 2017; Earls & interprets the “Agree” description and indicates a “High”
Votruba-Drzal, 2017). This suggests that the youth are level of interpretation, presenting the respondents’
generally unaligned with the statements regarding their perceptions of the duties and functions of Sangguniang
participation in Sangguniang Kabataan activities, which is Kabataan (SK) officials. This suggests that young people
consistent with research on youth civic engagement and recognize SK’s presence in governance and its role in
participation. According to the United Nations Children's advocating for youth-related concerns. Research has shown
Fund (UNICEF), youth participation is essential for that youth councils contribute to civic engagement by
promoting civic engagement and governance (UNICEF, providing a platform for representation and leadership
2019). Similarly, the World Bank emphasizes the development (Checkoway, 2021). However, their
effectiveness depends on factors such as leadership skills,
importance of youth engagement and governance for
political support, and resource allocation (Villarin, 2019).
promoting sustainable development (World Bank, 2018).
The remaining indicators received an average
SOP 2: The respondents’ level of perceptions towards rating between M = 3.48 to 3.75 ("High"), meaning
Sangguniang Kabataan officials’ duties and respondents generally agree that SK effectively implements
functions. youth-focused programs, advocates for youth-related issues,
promotes youth welfare, and encourages civic engagement.
Table 3 However, the slight variation in scores suggests that while
respondents acknowledge SK’s contributions, they may feel
that certain areas need improvement.
Indicators Mean Description Interpretation
The weighted mean (M = 3.70, "High") indicates
The Sangguniang 4.15 Agree High an overall positive perception of SK’s performance.
Kabataan plays a However, to further strengthen its role, research suggests that

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SK officials should undergo training in policy-making,

peace and conflict
leadership, and project management to enhance their
resolution to enhance
effectiveness in governance (Checkoway, 2021).
youth engagement.
Additionally, fostering stronger partnerships with community
organizations may help expand SK’s influence and
The SK should focus 3.88 Agree High
sustainability (Villarin, 2019). Addressing the challenges in
more on advocating for
advocacy, in particular, may require targeted efforts to
human rights and social
enhance SK’s political influence, institutional support, and
justice to enhance youth
active engagement with both youth and local government
engagement.
bodies to ensure that youth-related issues are effectively
represented and addressed. The SK should focus 4.13 Agree High
more on promoting
SOP 3: The youth’s suggestions regarding the inclusive education and
improvement of Sangguniang Kabataan officials in access to quality
their related activities. schooling to enhance
youth engagement.
Table 4
The SK should focus 4.15 Agree High
more on promoting
Indicators Mean Description Interpretation
mental health awareness
and well-being to
The SK should focus 3.85 Agree High enhance youth
more on disaster engagement.
preparedness and
response to enhance The SK should focus 3.92 Agree High
youth engagement. more on empowering
marginalized youth
The SK should focus 3.81 Agree High groups, such as
more on sustainable indigenous communities
development and and LGBTQ+ youth,
environmental to enhance youth
protection to enhance engagement.
youth engagement
Weighted Mean 3.91 Agree High
The SK should focus 3.63 Agree High
more on cultural
preservation and
heritage conservation to Table 4 shows the result of the level of
enhance youth participation and it revealed a total weighted mean of 3.91,
engagement. which interprets the “Agree” description and indicates a
“High” level of interpretation. Indicating general agreement.
The SK should focus 3.86 Agree High The findings highlight the youth's desire for the SK to play a
more on promoting more comprehensive role in their lives, extending beyond
local tourism and traditional governance functions. Additionally, the highest
community mean score was obtained for the question regarding the
development to enhance Sangguniang Kabataan's prioritization of mental health
youth engagement. awareness and well-being to increase youth participation.
This suggests a potential deficiency in mental health
The SK should focus 3.92 Agree High awareness and understanding among the youth population of
more on addressing Purok Maligaya, indicating a possible correlation between
social issues such as this lack of awareness and the prevalence of mental health
poverty and inequality challenges within this demographic. Accordingly, close to
to enhance youth one in five Filipino youth aged 15-24 have ever considered
engagement. ending their life. This is among the key findings of the 2021
Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5). A
The SK should focus 3.92 Agree High significant increase in the proportion of youth experiencing
more on promoting frequent depressive symptoms was observed between 2013
and 2021. Specifically, the prevalence of feelings of

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loneliness, sadness, and social rejection nearly doubled and youth. (6) To create a sustainable program, there will be
during this period (UP Population Institute, 2022). However, a partnership with the community and local government as
this high value may also indicate the youth's emphasis on well as yearly visitations. The budget proposed will be
widespread mental health awareness, suggesting a degree of roughly 4,880 pesos including the professionals, materials,
existing knowledge within this demographic. and food.

The relatively high scores across all indicators 4. CONCLUSION

suggest a broad consensus on the need for improvements in
various aspects of SK operations. This aligns with research Overall, the results of the study emphasize the
emphasizing the importance of youth participation in participation levels, perceptions, and suggestions of the youth
community development and the need for youth councils to towards the Sangguniang Kabataan Officers, as well as a
address a wider range of social and environmental concerns probable intervention for the highest concern of the youth
(M Sala-Torrent, A Planas-Lladió, 2024). However, the slight which is the prioritization of mental health awareness to
variations in scores indicate that some areas require more enhance youth engagement in Purok Maligaya, Barangay
attention than others. For example, while the promotion of Mabini, Koronadal City.
mental health awareness received a high score, cultural
preservation, and heritage conservation to enhance youth The study depicts that the respondents have a
engagement got the lowest mean because Christianity and moderate participation rate in activities of the Sangguniang
Catholicism are the dominant religions in this community. Kabataan that promote active citizenship as per the 3.37
And because of the lack of prominence, this might explain mean of the results. The temperate youth engagement
why the community has the lowest mean in the survey. illustrates a need for improvement regarding their
Further investigation could explore specific strategies for engagement with civic responsibility and the community, as
implementation. it only reaches the average and not a high degree of
participation. It indicates the youth's neutrality when it comes
SOP 4: What intervention can be developed based on to activity engagement and direct input in the Barangay’s
the result of the study? SK’s activities, implying that their participation rates are
neither drastically high nor low.
The researchers aim to propose an intervention
program entitled “Safe Space: Mental Health Awareness In addition, the data demonstrates their
Program for Purok Maligaya’s Katipunan ng Kabataan”. considerably positive perceptions of the effectiveness of the
Based on the results, the youth particularly emphasizes the Sangguniang Kabataan regarding the application of their
SK’s need to focus on enhancing youth participation through duties, especially their responsibility in representing the
mental health awareness and well-being. This program aims youth in the local government. This is illustrated by the
to (1) Enhance mental health awareness and well-being general weighted mean of the survey being 3.70—indicating
within the Katipunan ng Kabataan in Purok Maligaya, (2) a high statistic. It can be related to the youth’s participation
provide ample knowledge of mental health and youth issues levels as it implies the youth see the importance of the SK in
to SK officers, (3) create a safe space for the youth in the their representation and the effectiveness of its activities
locality to express their experiences and frustrations in a despite their moderate levels of direct engagement with these
healthy and open-minded environment. activities.

To achieve these, the following must be Moreover, suggestions are significantly prevalent
implemented: (1) A training workshop will be conducted for as seen in the 3.91 mean, primarily in the category of
each SK official after they are elected, (2) An online platform promoting mental health awareness and well-being as it has
will be created where they can access resources for mental the highest mean score of 4.15, revealing the presence of
health conditions and coping mechanisms, access links to mental health struggles and lack of programs promoting
local mental health helplines, and anonymous forums, (3) mental health awareness among youth in Purok Maligaya,
The program will be promoted using social media and school and filling that lack would promote youth engagement in the
announcements, (4) A focused group study will be conducted SK’s activities. Addressing the prevalent suggestions
every 3 months where the youth will be gathered in a regarding promoting mental health awareness, a key concern
comfortable and closed area to create a safe space where they for Purok Maligaya's youth will be crucial in maximizing the
are oriented on knowledge about mental illnesses, coping Sangguniang Kabataan's impact and strengthening its role in
mechanisms, empathy for others struggling, and resources representing the youth’s needs.
made available—they will also share their struggles and
insights. They can access the online anonymous forum if they Based on the results, the researchers will
are uncomfortable sharing with a group. (5) For monitoring, implement an intervention entitled “Safe Space: Mental
there will be tracking of social media engagement, attendance Health Awareness Program for Purok Maligaya’s Katipunan
of meetings, feedback of the focused group discussions, as ng Kabataan”, which will address the given issue suggested
well as pre and post-surveys for the facilitating SK officers by the respondents regarding mental health awareness and

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 Email: [email protected] www.ndmu.edu.ph
… an institution that cares for the environment and humanity.

well-being. It is proposed to foster awareness regarding 7. REFERENCES

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