ILOILO — A landmark investment in this province’s youth development took shape on September 30. The provincial government unveiled Balay Minerva Teen Center at t he Iloilo National High School (INHS) — the largest facility yet under the Teen Center 2.0 program.
Costing P12 million and designed to serve 6,270 students, the two-storey hub signals a bold shift toward a holistic approach in adolescent health and empowerment, providing not only counselling and academic support but also space for creativity, wellness, and recreation.
“Total youth development will happen inside the teen center. It will serve as the nerve-ending and detector in understanding the issues faced by our youth. We want to know your problems so that we can help,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. during the inauguration.
The facility features a counselling and reading room on the first floor, while the second floor houses a dance studio, music room, and mini gym.
Named after the goddess of wisdom and justice, Balay Minerva is envisioned as a sanctuary, according to Provincial Population Office (PPO) chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio.
“Iloilo Teen Centers, now rebranded as Teen Center 2.0, are living symbols of the Province of Iloilo’s commitment to youth development and empowerment. These are hubs of opportunity, creativity, and leadership built to help young people grow into responsible, productive and active individuals in shaping a stronger, and more progressive Iloilo,” Superio said.
Superio traced the program’s beginnings to 2011 with five pilot centers under then-Gov. Art Defensor. Today, Iloilo boasts 102 Teen Centers across 42 municipalities and one component city — the most in the Philippines.
This effort has also earned the province national recognition as one of the Top 5 Finalists in the 2025 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards, honoring outstanding LGUs in localizing the population and development agenda.
“Balay Minerva is a home where our youth are welcomed, valued, and understood. Here, they not only find programs and projects but a community that listens, guides, and empowers. Pina-agi sining teen center, we dream of nurturing young Ilonggos who are not only empowered and resilient, but also compassionate — future leaders who will lead with strength, kindness, and a heart for others,” Superio added.
The launch drew key education and youth leaders, including INHS Principal Delorah Cecilia Fantillo, Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ernesto Servillon, Commission on Population regional director Harold Alfred Marshall, and Sangguniang Kabataan federation president Esara Javier.
Marshall hailed the center as “the biggest and most beautiful teen center in the country,” noting its potential to serve as a hub of creativity, learning, and community engagement./PN
