ILOILO – To provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to navigate the challenges of adolescence, the provincial government, in partnership with the Provincial Population Office (PPO), opened the CABALICatan Teen Center in Balasan town on February 4.
Named after the Tagalog word “kabalikat”, meaning partner, the center aims to serve as a refuge for adolescents from Cabalic National High School, focusing on nurturing their well-being and fostering positive relationships with their peers.
The P3.5-million facility is part of the provincial government’s Teen Center 2.0 initiative, which includes 10 pilot projects being implemented by the PPO under the leadership of Atty. Ruel Von Superio.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration and turnover ceremony, marking a significant step in the development of youth programs in Balasan. He was joined by Balasan’s Mayor Filomeno Ganzon, Vice Mayor Manuel Ganzon, Superio, Provincial Engineer Romeo Andig, Anilao’s Mayor Lee Ann Debuque (representing the League of Municipalities of the Philippines), Head Teacher I Rosie Aribal, and representatives from the DepEd Schools Division of Iloilo, among others.
“This project is a testament to how important you are to our governor. Of more than 180 secondary schools, Governor Defensor prioritized Cabalic National High School for the establishment of this Teen Center,” said Superio.
Governor Defensor, in his address, urged the youth to take care of the facility as it is an extension of their home. He also committed to providing additional infrastructure support to Cabalic National High School, including the construction of a covered gym and more classrooms to enhance the learning environment for students in Balasan./PN
