By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
A multi-purpose teen center is set to be constructed at Dominador Abang Memorial National High School in Brgy. Garita, San Enrique, Iloilo, following its groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.
The budget for the construction of the teen center will be sourced from the Special Education Fund of the province from the previous year.
“This is your home away from your homes. This facility will serve as the home of our program on adolescent reproductive health,” said Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.
The building, to be named the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Center, is designed to cater to 441 learners of the host high school and the youth of the surrounding barangays.
It is poised to provide essential services like guidance counseling, career assistance, and the voter’s education program of the provincial government.
Mayor Rosario Mediatrix “Trixie” Fernandez emphasized that Dominador Abang Memorial NHS was chosen among the four secondary schools in San Enrique due to the economic conditions of the barangay and prevalent issues such as child labor, sexual abuse, and out-of-school youth.
“This facility will serve as a refuge during times when we are emotionally troubled, providing us with a place for assistance. This teen center is very timely,” the mayor said.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Defensor has also committed to provide a budget for the construction of a standard school gym for Dominador high school.
The teen center will boast various amenities, including a Lounge Area, Counseling Room, Activity Area, Guidance Office, Teen Center Coordinator Office, restroom facilities, and a pantry.
The provincial government has allocated P35 million for the construction of 10 teen center buildings across the province, with two to be built in each district.
It has so far identified recipient towns of the province-wide initiative namely Dueñas, San Dionisio, Balasan, and Pototan.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the school-based multi-purpose teen center buildings have already taken place in Cabalic National High School in Balasan and Nicomedes R. Tubar Sr. National High School in San Dionisio.
