Iloilo Starts P5M Family, Youth Center Project

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Government has officially launched the construction of a P5 million, two-story Family and Youth Development Center (FYDC) in Igbaras with a groundbreaking ceremony on January 15.

The facility, spearheaded by the Iloilo Provincial Population Office (PPO) in partnership with municipal and city governments, will serve as a central hub for programs and projects supporting families and youth. It is backed by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Local Youth Development Offices.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led the ceremony alongside PPO Chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio, Igbaras Mayor Vicente Escorpion Jr., Vice Mayor Sherwin Paul Guidato, and Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, who represented the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP-Iloilo).

In his address, Defensor emphasized the critical role of families and youth in nation-building, aligning the initiative with his administration’s “MoRProGRes Iloilo” development framework. MoRProGRes stands for Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo.

“There’s nothing more important than our family and children. If we want to build a nation, we have to start with them,” Defensor said, highlighting the need to prioritize their welfare in government programs and projects.

PPO Chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio described the FYDC as an innovative approach to implementing the province’s Responsible Parenthood and Adolescent Health and Youth Development Programs.

“We aim to strengthen our network and intensify our collaborative efforts in addressing identified gaps and promoting the development, welfare, and empowerment of families and youth, not only in Igbaras but throughout the Province of Iloilo,” Superio said.

The FYDC in Igbaras is one of eight local government units (LGUs) chosen as pilot areas for the project. Other identified LGUs include New Lucena, Santa Barbara, Calinog, Lambunao, Passi, San Dionisio, and Sara.

The two-story facility will provide permanent infrastructure for programs such as pre-marriage orientation and counseling (PMOC) sessions, youth-related initiatives, and population and development activities.

The ground floor will house PPO’s local offices and the Barangay Service Point Officer, while the second floor will accommodate the Local Youth Development Office, the SK session hall, and the Local Youth Development Council Office.

Once completed, the center is expected to enhance the provincial government’s capacity to deliver vital services, ensuring the growth and development of Iloilo’s families and youth.