RESURRECTION is the greatest embodiment of hope. It is the ultimate victory of life over death, of idealism over cynicism and of hope over fear. Resurrection is what the Sangguniang Kabataan needs.
Resurrection is a universal theme that cuts across religions and traditions. From the ancient Greeks to Egyptians, from Hinduism to Christianity, there are many resurrection narratives throughout history and in different cultures. These narratives are all anchored on the premise that death is not the end. That for extraordinary beings death could be conquered because they came back to life.
Resurrection is marked by the phenomenon of rising from the dead, to live again. The SK in the past has suffered a symbolic death in the consciousness of young people, its constituents. There was a point in its history when it ceased to be relevant among the youth because of perceptions of ineptitude, ineffectiveness and bad governance. For social institutions, irrelevance is a death sentence.
Resurrection is also marked by the crossing over from darkness to light. The SK in the past was influenced by and in some way held captive by the dark forces of traditional politics. Because of the lack in autonomy and fiscal independence, agents of traditional politics manipulated the institution. What was envisioned to be a training ground for idealistic and principled leaders became a breeding ground for leaders adhering to the status quo.
Resurrection is ultimately about conquering what is thought to be unconquerable, death. The SK should be about that. The youth throughout history has championed noble and worthy causes that seemed to be next to impossible. But they have emerged victorious because of determination, passion and imagination with a healthy dose of stubbornness. The SK is one such cause especially now that some leaders have called again for its abolition and in the light of the looming postponement again of the elections.
Resurrecting the SK requires restoring its relevance especially among its constituency. This could only happen if and when the institution is strengthened and empowered. A significant part of this challenge has been addressed by Republic Act 10742 or An Act Establishing Reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan Creating Enabling Mechanisms for Meaningful Youth Participation in Nation-Building. The SK Reform and Empowerment Law has fixed the structural gaps and put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the institution. It empowered the SK to be genuine champions of youth development.
Resurrecting the SK would only happen if the Filipino youth assert it. Young people should make their voices heard; they should make policy-makers realize that postponing the SK elections for another three years will disenfranchise them even more. The youth must convince leaders in both houses of congress that holding the SK elections as scheduled this October is in their best interest. For another postponement will kill this unique feature of Philippine democracy.
Resurrecting the SK is an expression and manifestation of hope, an act of solemn renewal of the nation's faith in the Filipino youth.