Prolongation of tenure for junior officers
Davao City Extends Term of Junior Officials for Another Year
In a recent announcement by Emmanuel Crismas, the acting division head of the Davao City Youth Council, the term of the city's Junior Officials has been extended to run from August 4, 2025, to August 4, 2026. This decision comes as part of an effort to provide the junior officials with ample time to continue their valuable work and determine the most successful activities and programs initiated by them.
The Junior Officials of Davao City, launched in 2023, serve in both the executive and legislative branches, mirroring the officials they represent. They are responsible for performing duties similar to those of actual city officials and crafting policies specifically benefiting the city’s youth. These young leaders actively participate in council sessions, shadow department operations, and observe policy deliberations to gain an in-depth understanding of the city's decision-making process.
To qualify as a Junior Official, candidates must be between 13 and 17 years old and bona fide residents of Davao City. The selection process for these positions involves writing an essay outlining platforms and reasons for applying, followed by an interview conducted by personnel from the Davao City Youth Council.
Currently, there are 74 Junior Officials in Davao City. In 2024, a total of 78 Junior Officials took their oath of office. The city is divided into three districts, each with 8 junior councilors, 1 junior mayor, 1 junior vice mayor, 1 junior SK federation president, 12 junior department heads, and 3 junior tribal leaders.
To ensure the mental and physical health of the Junior Officials, they will undergo monthly psychosocial sessions and debriefings. At the end of their one-year service, the city will award the "Most Outstanding Davao City Junior Youth Official."
For further details on the exact qualifications or formal selection steps, contacting the Davao City Youth Development Office or reviewing Republic Act 10742 (Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act) may provide official guidelines.
The Junior Officials of Davao City, extending their term until 2026, will continue to prioritize both their education and self-development, as they make crucial decisions affecting the city's youth and youth-benefitting programs, while also ensuring their mental and physical health through monthly psychosocial sessions.
In line with the extended term, the Davao City Youth Development Office may release updates on additional educational opportunities for Junior Officials, as offered in their ongoing collaboration with the Education-and-Self-Development sector.
