The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has made significant changes to the bookkeeping training requirements for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) treasurers, aiming to streamline the process and enhance financial management skills. Previously, SK treasurers were required to complete the extensive Bookkeeping NC III course, which spans approximately 292 hours over a year. However, TESDA has now replaced this with a more accessible two-day online Basic Bookkeeping course, as announced by TESDA’s Public Information Office (PIO) to the Philippine News Agency.
The shift in requirements began on January 24, and the new course is available year-round through the TESDA Online Program (TOP). This change is designed to upskill SK treasurers, enabling them to manage finances more effectively. The course, titled “Bookkeeping for Sangguniang Kabataan Financial Transactions Level II”, was crafted through collaborative workshops involving technical experts from the National Youth Commission. It aligns with the standards set by the Commission on Audit’s Handbook on the Financial Transactions of the Sangguniang Kabataan and has been validated by SK treasurers from different local government units.
TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez expressed optimism about the new initiative, stating that it would improve the efficiency and accessibility of the mandatory bookkeeping training. He believes that these adjustments will empower SK treasurers with the necessary financial management skills to perform their duties more effectively at the local level. Upon completion of the two-day online course, participants will receive a certificate that qualifies them to take their oath of office.