Solon questions NYC underspending of 2019 budget

Kabataan partylist Representative Sarah Elago on Thursday questioned the National Youth Commission's (NYC) supposed low utilization rate of its budget in 2019. 

During the House hearing on the budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Elago asked NYC chairman Ryan Enriquez to explain the why it was using too little of its funds.

"Tayo po ay nababahala sa napakababang utilization rate ng NYC para sa taong 2019, nasa 60.3% lang. Ito po ang pinakamababa sa lahat ng agencies ng DILG at mas mababa pa, 40.7% para sa continuing appropriations," Elago said.

Enriquez responded that the agency is not advocating for those opposing the government. He even said the NYC wants to "save" Elago from Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.

"Ang NYC po, we cannot advocate for the anti-government and then we cannot advocate po 'yung mga taong nasa bundok to be the voice and advocate and we cannot advocate din po na pabagsakin ang ating gobyerno," he said. 

"Kami po ay naniniwala na ang NYC po ay nandito para po makatulong sa mga kabataan at siyempre po si Congressman Sarah Elago na mailigtas din po siya sa mga kamay ni Joma Sison," he added.

In response, Elago said: "Wala po tayong sinabi na siya ay mag-advocate para sa anti-government, ang sinasabi po natin agency vision is stated po 'no, as posted on their website and it envisions itself as the voice and advocate of the youth."

The lawmaker further asked Enriquez about the supposed low engagement of the youth regarding policies and advocacies. Elago said it appears that the NYC is not fulfilling its mandate to engage the youth on certain issues.

"Bakit 10 porsyento lamang ng kanilang target na 100 serving youth organizations ang kanilang naeengage sa youth policy and advocacies? Hindi po ba ibig sabihin nito ay hindi nagagampanan ng NYC 'yung kanyang trabaho na makipagkonsultahan at palakasin ang engagement ng mga kabataang Pilipino pagdating sa mga issue na may kinalaman sa kanila?" she asked.

Enriquez reasoned out that the NYC could not make some consultations because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elago, however, said she was pointing out the agency's performance prior to the occurrence of the health crisis.

Still, the NYC leader maintained that the agency is performing well its duty: "Sa palagay ko po, 'yung performance naman ng National Youth Commission, 'yung mandato po nito ay nagagawa naman po namin ang aming trabaho..."

Meanwhile, Elago mentioned the calls of some groups for the removal of Enriquez as the NYC chairperson as they aim for better leadership within the agency.

"Nais po nating ipasok sa tala ng kapulungan na ito ang pahayag ng higit 100 na mga organisasyon na nananawagan para sa immediate removal ng current National Youth Commission chairperson," she said.

Elago also wants Enriquez to answer issues of alleged abuse of authority and violations in the security of tenure.—LDF, GMA News