The Provincial Government of Iloilo is strengthening its campaign for total youth development with the inauguration of the Rombuhan sang Kasanag Teen Center 2.0 at Alimodian National Comprehensive High School today.
The teen center forms part of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.’s Bulig Eskwela sa Probinsya (BES Probins) Program, a flagship initiative promoting holistic learner development through services such as career guidance and counseling, voter education, anti-illegal drug abuse and prevention programs, mental health support under the PRIME program, and legal assistance through the alaLAYI Program: Pag-Ubay Legal sa Kabataan.
Defensor underscored that education must go beyond academics.
“We have the BES Probins Program for an effective, relevant transformative education system in the province of Iloilo. This is not just an education program but an education program towards total youth development. Classrooms and academics are half of the work. Ang tunga dira matabo sa aton teen center because we want total youth development in our education program here in the province of Iloilo,” he said.
Provincial Population Officer Atty. Ruel Von Superio said the facility directly addresses the pressing challenges faced by Ilonggo youth, while advancing a broader vision of long-term development and empowerment.
“Ang pag-establisar sang aton Teen Center isa ka importante nga estratehiya agud sabton ang nagapadayun nga challenges sang aton kabataan ilabi na gid ang teenage pregnancy. Our goal is clear: to ensure that every young Ilonggo is equipped with the knowledge, values, and resilience needed to face life’s challenges and build a better future.”
He further stressed that the teen centers are designed to be more than just facilities within schools.
“They are safe spaces and hubs of opportunity, creativity, and leadership, designed to shape young people into responsible and active partners in building a stronger, and more progressive Iloilo,” said Superio.
Alimodian Mayor Kenneth Alfeche expressed gratitude for the collective effort behind the project.
“Ang inyo suporta is a testament that when the community comes together, meaningful change happens.”
The event was also graced by First Lady Michelle Defensor, SK Federation President Esara Aldeguer Javier, Provincial School Board Secretary Marie Freda Fajardo, Provincial Engineer Romeo Andig, Vice Mayor Geefre Alonsabe, and other local officials of LGU Alimodian.
Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a solemn blessing of the infrastructure was held.
With the opening of the Alimodian center, the province continues to expand safe spaces that nurture informed, resilient, and engaged youth.