Overview: A New Path to Civil Service for SKOs
In a move hailed as a milestone for youth empowerment in government, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced that elected and appointed Sangguniang Kabataan Officials (SKOs) are now entitled to civil service eligibility under specific conditions. The policy, formalized through CSC Resolution No. 2500752 (promulgated on July 24, 2025), creates the Sangguniang Kabataan Official Eligibility (SKOE) for qualified SKOs.
The SKOE is designed to recognize the vital role of the Filipino youth in nation-building and to affirm their contributions to public service. CSC Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap emphasized that the initiative is intended to empower young leaders to pursue government careers and continue serving the people of the Philippines.
Who Qualifies for SKOE?
The SKOE applies to SKOs who meet several criteria. Firstly, the official must have completed a full three-year term of office or its equivalent and must be in good standing. The eligibility covers first-level positions in the career service, excluding roles governed by other specific laws or requiring special eligibilities.
Importantly, the policy applies to SKOs who held office when Republic Act No. 11768 (the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015) took effect on June 1, 2022. SKOs who served during the 2018–2022 term are also eligible if they completed their full term. The CSC notes that the SKOE coverage extends to both elective and appointive SKOs who began their tenure after the law’s effectivity, including SK members elected by the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) and SK secretaries and treasurers appointed by the SK chairperson with the concurrence of the majority of all SK members.
It is crucial to note that SK chairs remain under the Barangay Official Eligibility (BOE) framework, not the SKOE, as per Batas Pambansa Blg. 337 which was repealed by the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. 7160).
How to Apply for SKOE
Qualified SKOs may begin applying for SKOE on October 4, 2025—the effective date of CSC Resolution No. 2500752. Applications must be submitted to the CSC Regional Office that has jurisdiction over the barangay where the applicant rendered service. Applicants may also file through any CSC Regional Office or Field Office nearest to their current residence or workplace. These offices will receive applications and issue SKOE certificates if the eligibility is granted.
The CSC’s provision of SKOE creates a formal bridge for young leaders to transition into the civil service, allowing them to leverage their SK experience in a national context. By formalizing eligibility, the CSC aims to broaden the pool of qualified public servants who understand local youth dynamics and community development.
Impact on Public Service and Youth Development
Officials who gain SKOE can pursue first-level government positions, aligning their early public service experiences with established civil service pathways. This change is expected to encourage more SKOs to pursue long-term careers in government, ensuring that youth perspectives remain central in policy formulation and service delivery at various levels of government.
Advocates say the policy recognises the legitimacy of youth governance experience as a valuable qualification, potentially strengthening local administration and youth-focused programs. It also signals a broader commitment to inclusive governance, where diverse generations contribute to nation-building.
Practical Considerations
As with any qualification, applicants should prepare documentation proving a full three-year term and good standing. Verification will be conducted by the CSC, and successful candidates will receive official SKOE certificates, enabling them to apply for first-level civil service roles that align with their SK experience.
For readers and public managers, the policy clarifies the boundaries of SKOE versus BOE, ensuring there is no overlap or confusion with other eligibility schemes. This demarcation helps maintain orderly eligibility processes while expanding opportunities for youth leadership in government.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Sustained Youth Participation in Government
The introduction of SKOE marks a deliberate effort to sustain youth participation in governance after leaving the SK framework. By formalizing eligibility, the CSC validates the public service value of SK experience and offers a concrete career pathway for young Filipinos who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to community service.
