Data Literacy Skills among Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Youth Council Leaders: A Case in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental

Abstract

This study, grounded in Carlson and Johnston’s Data Information Literacy (DIL) framework, assessed the data literacy skills of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders in selected local government units in Misamis Oriental across ten dimensions spanning data identification and acquisition; clarification, analysis, integration, and verification; and visualization, communication, evaluation, and ethicization. Employing a descriptive research design, the study was conducted in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental from June 2025 - October 2025. Data were collected from 73 currently serving SK officials aged 18–24 through purposive sampling using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation). Overall, SK leaders reported high mean scores in data identification (M = 3.52) and data ethicization (M = 3.58), and in integrating data into community initiatives, but low mean scores in advanced data acquisition (M = 2.45) and only moderate skills in statistical analysis and data visualization. These findings indicate that while youth leaders value data and ethical practices, gaps remain in technical and applied competencies. The study highlights the need for targeted capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, improved access to digital tools, and continuous ethical reinforcement to strengthen data literacy and support evidence-based decision-making, participatory governance, accountability, and the effectiveness of youth-oriented community programs.