ILOILO – This province officially launched its first-ever Family and Youth Development Center (FYDC) on January 15, a milestone in the provincial government’s efforts to empower families and young people in the First District.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the ceremonial unveiling of the structural design for the proposed two-storey building and participated in the symbolic lowering and sealing of a time capsule to signify the project’s commencement.
The FYDC is envisioned as a hub for Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counselling (PMOC) sessions, youth training programs, and other initiatives under the province’s population and development agenda.
The facility will also house the offices of the Population Program Officers (PPOs), Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs), the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), and the Local Youth Development Council Office (LYDCO).
To fund the project, the Iloilo provincial government allocated P5 million to the local government unit of Igbaras.
Defensor emphasized the significance of supporting families and youth, which he described as the foundation of his administration’s flagship program, “MoRProGRes Iloilo” (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo).
“There is nothing more important than our families and our youth. If we want to build a nation, we have to start with our family and our youth,” said Defensor.
The facility is part of the provincial government’s efforts, through the Provincial Population Office (PPO), to pioneer initiatives that strengthen and empower the family and youth sectors.
Atty. Ruel Von Superio, chief of the PPO, described the FYDC as an innovative approach to implementing the Responsible Parenthood and Adolescent Health and Youth Development Programs in Iloilo.
“We aim to strengthen our network and intensify collaborative efforts to address gaps and promote the development, welfare, and empowerment of families and youth, not just in Igbaras but across the province,” he said.
The project identifies Igbaras, New Lucena, Santa Barbara, Calinog, Lambunao, Passi City, San Dionisio, and Sara as pilot areas for FYDC implementation.
Joining Governor Defensor at the event were Atty. Superio, Mayor Vicente Escorpion Jr., Vice Mayor Sherwin Paul Guidato, and Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, who represented the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Iloilo./PN
