ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government has stepped up its campaign to address the growing mental health needs of young Ilonggos by releasing P42.5 million for the construction of 10 more youth-focused facilities that will expand access to counseling, early intervention, and family support services across five municipalities.
Funds were released recently for the construction of five Teen Centers 2.0 and five Family and Youth Development Centers (FYDCs) – facilities that will serve as frontline hubs for the provincial government’s Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion (PRIME).
The expansion is aimed at bringing mental health and youth development services directly to schools and communities, allowing adolescents and families to receive assistance before problems escalate.
Teen Centers, costing P3.5 million each, will be established at Dapdap National High School in Tigbauan, De La Paz National High School in Banate, Rufino G. Palabrica Sr. National High School in Dingle, Anilao National High School, and Barotac Viejo National High School.
Meanwhile, P5-million Family and Youth Development Centers will be constructed in the municipalities of Miag-ao, Alimodian, Maasin, Anilao, and Barotac Viejo, bringing mental health and family services closer to local communities.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the facilities will become the main venues for PRIMETIME, the province’s school- and community-based initiative that complements the existing PRIME 24/7 mental health helpline.
“We already have our PRIME helpline, our 24/7 hotline for mental health. But we want to implement with you. We will implement PRIMETIME sa eskwelahan kag sa community. Sa community ang alagyan FYDC, sa eskwelahan ang alagyan Teen Center,” the governor said.
Once completed, the facilities will provide safe and youth-friendly spaces where adolescents and families can access counseling, mental health support, adolescent health services, responsible parenthood education, life-skills training, and other developmental programs.
Integrating PRIME services into schools and communities is expected to strengthen early intervention, help young people make informed life decisions, and promote healthier and more resilient Ilonggo families.
The Teen Centers 2.0 and Family and Youth Development Centers are among the flagship initiatives of the Iloilo Provincial Government implemented through the Iloilo Provincial Population Office./PN
