ILOILO – For the construction of teen centers aimed at supporting adolescent health and youth development, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. turned over P3.5 million checks to six high schools.
The turnover ceremony took place on Tuesday morning, February 25, with Defensor joined by Provincial Population Office (PPO) chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio.
The recipient schools, along with their principals and municipal officials, received the funding.
The beneficiary schools are:
* Nalundan National High School – Barangay Nalundan, Guimbal
* San Joaquin School of Fisheries – Barangay Baybay, San Joaquin
* New Lucena National Comprehensive High School – Barangay Poblacion, New Lucena
* Esteban S. Javellana Memorial National High School – Barangay Guiso, Calinog
* Mina National High School – Mina
* Ardemil National High School – Sara
Teen Center Version 2.0: A Facility for Youth Development
The Teen Center Version 2.0 project is an infrastructure initiative under the PPO that involves the construction of dedicated teen center buildings within schools. It builds on the province’s previous youth development efforts, which only provided equipment to existing centers.
These facilities, formally named Adolescent Health and Youth Development Centers, are designed as safe spaces where students can engage in various recreational, educational, and health-oriented activities.
The centers will serve as venues for:
* recreational programs and activities
* personality development and skills training
* building friendships and peer support
* promoting adolescent reproductive health
* discouraging risky sexual and non-sexual behaviors
P35-M Allocated for Teen Centers in 2024
For 2024, Defensor allocated P35 million for the initial construction of 10 teen centers, ensuring two facilities per district. The previously identified recipient schools include:
* 1st District – Oton National High School and Alejandro Fermeza National High School (Miag-ao)
* 2nd District – Alimodian National High School and Western Visayas Sanitarium Integrated School (Santa Barbara)
* 3rd District – Alberto Sorongon National High School (Pototan) and Maasin National High School
* 4th District – Dominador Abang Memorial National High School (San Enrique) and Cabudian National High School (Dueñas)
* 5th District – Cabalic National High School (Balasan) and Nicomedes R. Tubar Sr. National High School (San Dionisio)/PN
