By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Government, through its Provincial Population Office, has allocated P25 million to five local government units (LGUs) for establishing Family and Youth Development Centers (FYDCs). The allocation was officially handed over during a ceremony on August 12.
The initial beneficiaries—Igbaras, Sta. Barbara, Calinog, Sara, and Passi City—each received P5 million as part of the pilot phase of this initiative. This project aims to enhance family and youth programs across the province.
Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. led the ceremonial check turnover, with Igbaras Mayor Vicente E. Escorpion, Jr., Sara Mayor Jon N. Aying, Calinog Mayor Francisco L. Calvo, Sta. Barbara Sangguniang Bayan Member Niel Superficial, and Passi City Population Program Officer IV Ma. Teresa Buena receiving the funds on behalf of their respective localities.
In his speech, Mayor Escorpion expressed gratitude for the project, highlighting its significance. “It is a novel project and innovation particularly with regard to family and youth development. We are very happy and privileged to be given this opportunity to work initially in collaboration with the provincial government. It is very welcome for us in Igbaras; we need this project very much,” he stated.
Defensor reiterated the provincial government’s dedication to expanding the FYDC project across the province, ensuring that each LGU will eventually have its own center.
The initiative aligns with the Iloilo Provincial Government’s Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient (MoRProGRes) development mantra, which focuses on fostering sustainable growth and development through strategic infrastructure investments.
The FYDCs are envisioned as two-story facilities designed to accommodate various functions, including Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling (PMOC) sessions, youth program training, and office space for Population Program Officers and Barangay Service Point Officers.
Additionally, these centers will house the Local Youth Development Office, the Sangguniang Kabataan session hall, and the Local Youth Development Council Office, making them central hubs for family and youth activities within each LGU.
In a related development, the Iloilo Provincial Government also secured P14.5 million in funding from the Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 (DOLE 6).
DOLE 6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, along with Provincial Director Amy Judicpa, handed over the funds to Governor Defensor during the same event.
Of the total amount, P9.5 million is allocated for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which provides short-term employment to marginalized workers.
The remaining P5 million is designated for the Government Internship Program (GIP), offering internship opportunities to students and out-of-school youth to help them gain valuable work experience in government offices.
These programs, aimed at alleviating poverty and creating employment opportunities for Ilonggos, will be implemented by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) – Province of Iloilo.
