BY DEO DAME BEIGE SALIGUMBA
Intern, University of Antique
ILOILO – The provincial government is studying a proposal to offer legal aid services at the province’s various teen centers.
The planned “alaLAYI: PAG-UBAY LEGAL SA KABATAAN” program seeks to enhance legal aid services at teen centers by offering legal advice, assistance with legal documents, and educational seminars. This would be a collaboration between the Provincial Population Office (PPO) and the Law Department of Central Philippine University (CPU).
On February 25, CPU Law dean Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Assistant Dean Atty. Liza Lyn Lamason-Garcia, and PPO chief Atty. Von Superio presented the proposal to Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr.
The proposed legal/educational seminars for teens under the “alaLAYI: PAG-UBAY LEGAL SA KABATAAN” program will include gender-based laws, sexuality education, and voter’s education.
Governor Defensor expressed openness to the proposal and even suggested integrating this initiative with other provincial programs, particularly the Bulig ESkwela sa Probinsya (BES Probins), which is part of his broader efforts to support youth development.
The teen centers are part of the PPO’s infrastructure initiative, with new buildings planned for schools across the province. These facilities serve as safe spaces for recreational activities, personality development, health education, and programs aimed at reducing risky behaviors among adolescents.
The centers also offer opportunities for building peer support and promoting reproductive health awareness, contributing to the province’s ongoing youth development efforts./PN
