BARANGAYS and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils nationwide are directly under various local government units and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). However, in the case of the SK whose projects and programs that involve public funds that are handled and released by the appointed SK treasurer, the consummation of these activities necessitates the timely action by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority). That is what the law says.
According to Section 10 of Republic Act 10742, as amended by RA 11768, appointed SK treasurers “shall undergo a mandatory bookkeeping training from, and be duly certified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) before assumption to office.”
The problem with this law is that TESDA had no bookkeeping course, from the time the SK officers were elected last October until early January. This problem was pointed out earlier by elected youth leaders in the Eastern Visayas region, particularly in Tacloban City, where the SKs are gung-ho and eager to start their projects but could not draw the funds because the appointed treasurers have to possess TESDA certification as required by law.
‘There are many projects benefiting their constituents that need to be done, and it would be a waste of government resources if the local officials fail just because of sloppy accounting.’
Recognizing this problem, Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, TESDA chief, issued on January 19 guidelines on mandatory bookkeeping training for newly appointed SK treasurers. He said the training would ensure they are competent to perform their crucial role of managing government assets and funds.
Under the guidelines, newly appointed SK treasurers endorsed by the local government units shall undergo a two-day online Basic Bookkeeping Course to be conducted by TESDA Technology Institutions through the TESDA Online Program (TOP). The agency is eyeing a rollout of the two-day Basic Bookkeeping Course on Jan. 25 and 26 for the Visayas cluster, Jan. 27 and 28 for Luzon, and Jan. 29 and 30 for Mindanao.
TESDA said upon completion, the SK treasurers can take their oaths and assume their posts. Afterwards, they will be required to complete the full Bookkeeping NC III training program within a year and pass the mandatory competency assessment. Meanwhile, treasurers who possess experience and educational or career backgrounds in accounting and bookkeeping do not need to undergo the full training on Bookkeeping NC III, but instead undergo a comprehensive portfolio assessment prior to being certified.
Secretary Mangudadatu said this mandated training for SK treasurers is “a good investment as the certification can be used by the SK treasurers in their pursuit of jobs or livelihood even after their term of office.” He added the cost of training will be covered by TESDA, while competency assessment and certification of all appointed SK treasurers shall be charged against the funds of the municipal/provincial government unit concerned.
We note that TESDA has made it easier for the SK treasurers to finish the required program, even using internet or online learning as a mode of imparting skills. The nominal duration of the full TESDA Bookkeeping NC III course is 292 hours or approximately one-and-a-half months. Trainees may qualify for assessment immediately after completing the course, and if successful, will be given the TESDA National Certificate Level III in Bookkeeping.
The windfall revenues expected by municipalities, cities and barangays coming from the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s Mandanas ruling should make these local officials, especially down to the barangays and SKs, more prepared and fastidious in handling public funds. There are many projects benefiting their constituents that need to be done, and it would be a waste of government resources if the local officials fail just because of sloppy accounting.
Corruption which is pervasive in the country and has surely reared its ugly head at the local levels of government is expected to be checked somewhat by SK treasurers who had the rigid and uncompromising training from TESDA.
