SIKA youth organization intensifies recruitment of volunteers

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos meets with Ilocano students (Alaric Yanos)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA), a newly-formed youth organization in the province has intensified their recruitment efforts to serve as a liaison of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte to carry out its programs and activities designed for youth welfare and development.

Newly-elected officials of SIKA led by its president, James Ceasar Ventura, a magna cum laude fresh graduate at the Mariano Marcos State University’s College of Education took their oath of office at the Office of the Governor in time for the Independence Day celebration.

On the same day, on their induction ceremony, orientation of new members and socialization party was held at the Ilocos Norte centennial arena to familiarize its members the new constitution and by-laws of the new youth organization and fill in the gap created by the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

On April 26, a general assembly was conducted where the 476 active members of SIKA elected their new officers. Other elected members were: Randolf Jay Balon, vice president for youth affairs, Emil James Tanagon, vice president for administration, Generous Ubasa, secretary, Irene Ulit, treasurer,  Menard Tagata, auditor, Patrick Quitoriano and Weenter Ventura, both are communication officers representing Ilocos Norte’s first and second district.

The birth of SIKA came after the conduct of a week-long Sirib Leadership Camp held on April 16 at the Dungon-Dungon state in Burgos, Ilocos Norte on April 16.

Harnessing the youth huge population and energy, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos expressed her strong support for youth development.  

“The youth has a really huge population. Their energy is what we need if we want to fast-track our development in the province. They are the future; we need to train them,” Marcos said.

Earlier, the Sirib Express, a youth-oriented program of the provincial government has set up its own office at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium to focus on youth development services and welfare.

The Sirib Express, in cooperation with the SIKA has been visiting public schools and universities once every semester to bring the services for the youths and students.

Among the services include educational scholarship, sports equipment, employment assistance, guidance counseling as well as free seminars and workshops on photography, graphic design, husbandry, résumé personality development, responsible adolescence sexuality, among others.

Among the latest activities include their participation to Brigada Eskweda where they participated in the motorcade, help out in the clean-up drive and distributed construction materials for the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings.