By Mariela Angella Oladive
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. turned over PHP3.5 million checks to six schools on Feb. 25 for the establishment of Teen Center Version 2.0, an infrastructure project aimed at enhancing youth development facilities in the province.
The recipient schools include Nalundan National High School in Guimbal, San Joaquin School of Fisheries in San Joaquin, New Lucena National Comprehensive High School in New Lucena, Esteban S. Javellana Memorial National High School in Calinog, Mina National High School, and Ardemil National High School in Sara.
School principals and municipal officials received the checks from Defensor, who was accompanied by Provincial Population Office (PPO) chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio and his staff.
Teen Center Version 2.0 is an upgraded initiative under the PPO, focusing on the construction of dedicated teen center buildings inside schools.
This marks a significant improvement from the previous program, which only provided equipment to existing teen centers.
In 2024, the provincial government allocated PHP35 million for the construction of 10 teen centers, ensuring that each of Iloilo’s five districts received two facilities.
The first batch of recipients included Oton National High School and Alejandro Fermeza National High School in Miagao (first district); Alimodian National High School and Western Visayas Sanitarium Integrated School in Santa Barbara (second district); Alberto Sorongon National High School in Pototan and Maasin National High School (third district); Dominador Abang Memorial National High School in San Enrique and Cabudian National High School in Dueñas (fourth district); and Cabalic National High School in Balasan and Nicomedes R. Tubar Sr. National High School in San Dionisio (fifth district).
With the continued expansion of Teen Center Version 2.0, the Iloilo provincial government aims to provide safe and well-equipped spaces where students can engage in various personal development programs and support services.
