PHP 5-million youth center rises in San Enrique

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A PHP 5-million Family and Youth Development Center will soon rise in San Enrique as the Iloilo provincial government expands its network of facilities designed to strengthen youth and family services across the province.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the two-story building on July 16.

He was joined by Mayor Gian Carlo Niño Fernandez, Vice Mayor Rosario Mediatrix “Trixie” Fernandez, Provincial Population Office chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio, Department of Health Western Visayas Regional Director Dr. Mar Wynn Bello, Sangguniang Kabataan Iloilo Provincial Federation President Esara Javier and other local officials.

The center will serve as a venue for Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling sessions.

It will also house the offices and session hall of the Sangguniang Kabataan, Local Youth Development Council, Local Youth Development Officer and Barangay Service Point Officers.

The facility is expected to strengthen programs addressing teenage pregnancy, which remains a concern in the municipality.

Municipal data showed that San Enrique has recorded 30 teenage pregnancy cases.

Barangay Service Point Officer Municipal President Analene Guevarra said a permanent facility would improve the delivery of interventions for young people.

“The FYDC is a huge help because having our own building will allow us to closely monitor teenage pregnancies and better guide adolescents on the support and services they need,” she said.

The San Enrique project is the 31st Family and Youth Development Center established by the Provincial Population Office.

Centers in Igbaras and Lemery are already operational.

The provincial government aims to build similar facilities in all 42 municipalities and Passi City.

Superio said the provincial government has invested PHP 155 million in the construction of the centers across Iloilo.

He said the initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to investing in families and young people, noting that stronger families contribute to stronger communities.

Defensor said the center will complement the province’s adolescent mental health initiatives.

These include a social media management program that will be rolled out through school-based Teen Centers.

San Enrique is among the beneficiaries of the upgraded Teen Center 2.0 program at Dominador Abang Memorial National High School.

The groundbreaking ceremony formed part of the municipality’s 69th founding anniversary celebration.