The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has reduced the bookkeeping course requirements for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) treasurers.

They are no longer required to finish Bookkeeping NC III –a course that lasts for about 292 hours within a year– and are now just required to undergo the two-day online Basic Bookkeeping course, TESDA’s Public Information Office (PIO) told the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

The PIO said TESDA started removing the Bookkeeping NC III requirements for SK treasurers last Jan. 24.

However, it said they are required to undergo the basic bookkeeping course which is now available all year round via the TESDA Online Program (TOP).

Meanwhile, in a news release, the TESDA said the course seeks to upskill SK treasurers for more effective financial management.

The competency standard, “Bookkeeping for Sangguniang Kabataan Financial Transactions Level II”, was developed through a series of workshops with technical experts from the National Youth Commission, and benchmarked against the Commission on Audit’s Handbook on the Financial Transactions of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

The standards were validated by SK treasurers from various local government units.

“We hope these adjustments and initiatives will further enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the mandatory bookkeeping training program and thereby empower our SK treasurers with robust financial management skills that will better equip them to fulfill their responsibilities effectively at the local level,” TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez was quoted as saying.

Those who complete the two-day online course shall receive a certificate which will qualify them to take their oath of office, the TESDA said. (PNA)