More young Ilonggos struggling with mental health concerns, life challenges, and family issues will soon have easier access to timely support as the Iloilo Provincial Government expands its PRIME (Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion) through newly funded Teen Centers and Family and Youth Development Centers (FYDCs) across the province.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque led the turnover of P42.5 million in cheques for the construction of five Teen Centers 2.0 and five FYDCs, saying the facilities will serve as the primary venues for PRIMETIME, the province's community- and school-based initiative that complements the existing PRIME 24/7 mental health helpline.
"We already have our PRIME helpline, our 24/7 hotline for mental health. But we want to implement with you. We will implement PRIMETIME sa eskwelahan kag sa community. Sa community ang alagyan FYDC, sa eskwelahan ang alagyan Teen Center," the governor said before LGU and school officials.
Teen Centers worth P3.5 million each will be built at Dapdap National High School in Tigbauan, De La Paz National High School in Batad, Rufino G. Palabrica Sr. National High School in Dingle, Anilao National High School, and Barotac Viejo National High School.
Meanwhile, Family and Youth Development Centers worth P5 million each will rise in the municipalities of Miag-ao, Alimodian, Maasin, Anilao, and Barotac Viejo to bring services closer to communities.
Once completed, the facilities will provide safe, youth-friendly spaces where adolescents and families can access counseling, mental health support, adolescent health services, responsible parenthood education, life skills training, and other developmental programs.
By bringing PRIME directly into schools and communities, the provincial government aims to strengthen early intervention, empower young people to make informed decisions, and foster healthier, more resilient Ilonggo families.
The teen centers and FYDCs are among the flagship programs of the Iloilo Provincial Government through the Iloilo Provincial Population Office.
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