PHP12 million in infrastructure projects launched in Igbaras

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government inaugurated PHP 12 million worth of development projects in the municipality of Igbaras on Monday, Dec. 22, as part of its continued investment in community infrastructure and youth development.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration, which included two covered gymnasiums in Barangays Buga and Kinagdan, each costing PHP 3.5 million.

The gymnasiums will serve as venues for sports, community gatherings, and emergency evacuation during disasters.

Also inaugurated was the Family and Youth Development Center (FYDC) in Barangay Poblacion, a PHP 5 million facility designed to support youth initiatives and family- and community-based programs.

“These are the programs of the province with the municipality. We transfer the funds to them, and they implement it,” Defensor said.

He added that similar projects, particularly the establishment of additional FYDCs, will soon be implemented in other municipalities across Iloilo.

The FYDC is being rolled out through the Provincial Population Office (PPO) as a strategic initiative to house local government programs for family and youth development.

It is the first facility of its kind to be inaugurated in the province.

PPO head Atty. Ruel Von Superio said the project aligns with the province’s social justice agenda and its Movement for Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient (MoRProGRes) development mantra.

“This is a whole-of-province development framework that steers us toward sustainable development,” Superio said.

Barangay officials welcomed the projects, citing their importance for daily use and disaster preparedness.

Barangay Buga captain Hilario Elloran said the gym would provide much-needed shelter during typhoons and serve as a venue for community activities.

Kinagdan barangay captain Joemar Esmeralda described the facility as a “high-impact project, not only as a covered court but also for other activities.”

Also present during the inauguration were Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, Igbaras Mayor Vicente Escorpion Jr., and Vice Mayor Sherwin Paul Quidato.