ILOILO – The push to address rising teenage pregnancy and other pressing youth concerns gained ground with the opening of the “Rombuhan sang Kasanag Teen Center 2.0” in Alimodian town, positioning the facility as a frontline intervention hub for Ilonggo youth.The teen center, inaugurated on March 25 at Alimodian National Comprehensive High School, is designed to directly confront the growing social and developmental challenges faced by young people, while strengthening long-term programs for empowerment, education, and protection.The facility was formally opened by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
It is a strategic response to urgent youth issues, said Provincial Population Officer Atty. Ruel Von Superio.
“Our goal is to ensure that every young Ilonggo is equipped with the knowledge, values, and resilience needed to face life’s challenges and build a better future,” he stressed.
The center goes beyond being a mere school facility.
“They are safe spaces and hubs of opportunity, creativity, and leadership, designed to shape young people into responsible and active partners in building a stronger, and more progressive Iloilo,” said Superio.
The Teen Center 2.0 is part of the Bulig Eskwela sa Probinsya (BES Probins) Program of the provincial government, which promotes holistic learner development through services such as career guidance and counseling, voter education, anti-illegal drug abuse and prevention initiatives, mental health support under the PRIME program, and legal assistance through the alaLAYI Program: Pag-Ubay Legal sa Kabataan.
Governor Defensor stressed that education must extend beyond the classroom.
“We have the BES Probins Program for an effective, relevant transformative education system in the province of Iloilo. This is not just an education program but an education program towards total youth development. Classrooms and academics are half of the work. Ang tunga dira matabo sa aton teen center because we want total youth development in our education program here in the province of Iloilo,” he said.
Alimodian mayor Ian Keneth Alfeche highlighted the importance of collective action in realizing the project.
“Ang inyo suporta is a testament that when the community comes together, meaningful change happens,” he said.
Also present at the opening were Iloilo First Lady Michelle Defensor, Sangguniang Kabataan federation president Esara Aldeguer Javier, Provincial School Board Secretary Marie Freda Fajardo, Provincial Engineer Romeo Andig, Vice Mayor Geefre Alonsabe, and other local officials./PN
