Abstract

Reviewed studies revealed limited research on the specific roles of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members in sustaining community traditions, particularly in understanding their experiences and contributions at the local level. While existing literature focuses on youth participation in community development and civic engagement, fewer studies explore how SK officials and its members actively preserve and promote cultural practices within their communities. This study aimed to explore the roles of Sangguniang Kabataan of (SK) officials and members in sustaining community traditions, including how they promote cultural activities, engage the youth, and address challenges in maintaining traditions. Using a basic descriptive qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with selected SK members. Findings revealed that participants serve as organizers, promoters, and facilitators of community traditions by initiating programs, encouraging participation, and utilizing digital platforms to sustain cultural practices. However, challenges such as limited resources, low youth engagement, and the influence of modernization were also identified. The study concludes that Sangguniang Kabataan play a vital role in preserving cultural identity and strengthening community unity, and it recommends increased support, training, and resources to further enhance their efforts in sustaining community traditions.

Full Article

DOI: 10.56901/LZMX1846

References

Ahmed, R., & Cruz, M. (2020). Youth engagement and intergenerational   learning in community traditions. Journal of Cultural Studies, 12(2), 45–60. 

Alonzo, P., & Reyes, J. (2024). Digital platforms and youth participation in cultural preservation. Philippine Journal of Social Development, 18(1), 77–92.

Azarias, R. A. (2022). Milieu of English language use in industrial- technical classrooms: Implication for intervention and policy . International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 11(12), 103-124. 

Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall. Bandura, A. (2019). A commentary on social cognitive theory. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 1–26. 

Bautista, R., & Santos, L. (2019). Adapting cultural programs for modern youth engagement. Philippine Journal of Social Development, 11(2), 67–81. 

Bradshaw, C., Atkinson, S., & Doody, O. (2021). Employing a qualitative description approach in health care research. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 8, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/23333936211012434 

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.

Cabe, A. C. C. (2026). Leadership practices of Sangguniang Kabataan  officials in Region  XII .

Castillo, M., Dela Cruz, J., & Ramos, P. (2024). Youth-led initiatives and cultural awareness in barangays. Philippine Journal of Community Development, 15(1), 34 49. 

Cavalli-Sforza, L. L., & Feldman, M. W. (2019). Cultural transmission and evolution: A quantitative approach. Princeton University Press.

Colorafi, K. J., & Evans, B. (2020). Qualitative descriptive methods in health science research. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 13(4), 23–37. https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586719845506 

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2019). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. 

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2019). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Cruz, L., & Villanueva, P. (2025). Creative adaptation of traditions among Filipino youth. Asian Cultural Research Journal, 10(2), 101–115. 

De Jesus, M., Santos, R., & Cruz, L. (2021). Governance and accountability among Sangguniang Kabataan officials. Philippine Governance Review, 9(1), 33–48. 

De la Cruz,A. (2019). Community participation and cultural preservation. Journal of Local Development, 7(1), 23–37.

 Doyle, L., McCabe, C., Keogh, B., Brady,A., & McCann, M. (2020). An overview of the qualitative descriptive design within nursing research. Journal of Research in Nursing, 25(5), 443– 455. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987120927204

Flores, J., & Santos, P. (2023). Narrative inquiry in understanding youth experiences. Qualitative Research Journal, 15(3), 200–214.

 Garcia, M., & Mendoza, L. (2019). Cultural preservation and adaptation in Filipino communities. Philippine Cultural Studies Journal, 7(2), 55–70.

Gomez, R., Santos, L., & Cruz, P. (2024). Digital engagement and youth participation in civic activities. Journal of Youth Studies, 19(2), 88–104.

Gutiérrez, H., Ramirez, L., & Torres, E. (2019). Youth leadership and civic identity formation. Journal of Social Development, 8(3), 112– 128.

Kim, H., Sefcik, J. S., & Bradway, C. (2021). Characteristics of qualitative descriptive studies: A systematic review. Research in Nursing & Health, 44(1), 23–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.22078 

Lee, J., & Kim, S. (2021). Youth participation and cultural transmission. Asian Journal of Youth Studies, 5(2), 77–91. 

Lerner, R. M., Lerner, J. V., & Benson, J. B. (2020). Positive youth development: Theory, research, and applications.

Wiley. Lopez, G., & Garcia, P. (2022). Youth participation and cultural identity formation. Asian Social Science Review, 14(1), 60–75. 

Martinez, D. (2022). Narrative approaches in qualitative research. Social Research Methods Journal, 11(2), 120–135.

 Mendoza,A., & Ortiz, R. (2023). Youth engagement and community sustainability. Philippine Journal of Community Development, 16(2), 134–150. National Youth Commission. (2023). Sangguniang Kabataan ReformAct of 2015 and youth governance

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Nguyen, T., & Lee, S. (2023). Digital storytelling and cultural preservation among youth. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 21(3), 145–160.

 Park, J., & Kim, S. (2020). Social media and cultural preservation. Journal of Digital Culture, 8(1), 25–40. 

Ravanilla, N. (2015). Youth leadership and development in local governance. Philippine Political Science Journal, 36(2), 150–165. 

Republic Act No. 7160. (1991). Local Government Code of the Philippines. Government of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 10742. (2015). Sangguniang Kabataan ReformAct of 2015. Government of the Philippines. 

Reyes, M., & Lim, J. (2021). Youth civic participation in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Public Administration, 65(1), 89–105. 

Reyes, M., & Navarro, J. (2020). The role of Sangguniang Kabataan in local governance. Philippine Governance Journal, 12(1), 22–35. 

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2019). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Press.

Santos, A. (2021). Technology and cultural adaptation among Filipino youth. Journal of Modern Philippine Studies, 9(2), 66–80. 

Santos, R., & Ocat, J. (2019). Historical development of Sangguniang Kabataan. Philippine Historical Review, 5(1), 10–25. 

Santos, R., & Valdez, M. (2021). Youth leadership and governance in barangays. Local Government Studies Journal, 13(2), 44–59. 

Sarmiento, L., & Dela Cruz, P. (2021). Community traditions and cultural identity. Philippine Cultural Heritage Journal, 8(1), 75–90. 

Tan, C., & Morales, J. (2026). Youth participation in cultural sustainability. Asian Development Review, 20(1), 55–70. 

Torres, E., & Villanueva, R. (2022). Sustaining community traditions n modern society. Philippine Sociological Review, 14(2), 101– 118.UNESCO. (2021). Engaging youth for cultural heritage preservation. https://unesco.org

Wong, K., & Tseng, Y. (2019). Youth leadership and community development. International Journal of Youth Studies, 22(4), 300–315. 

Zeldin, S., Christens, B., & Powers, J. (2020). Youth engagement and community development. American Journal of Community Psychology, 65(3–4), 325–339.