STUDENTS of Tigbuan National High School (TNHS) can now access various development programs and recreational activities provided by the Iloilo Provincial Population Office through the establishment of Duyan Teen Center.
The 35th teen center will open on July 13 following its blessing and inauguration to be led by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr, Provincial Population Officer Ramon Yee, Tigbuan Mayor Suzette Alquisada, Department of Education Schools Division Superintendent Myrna Castillo and Principal Patricia Sotiar.
Through the teen centers, Yee stressed the youth can acquire knowledge and complete understanding of their human and reproductive rights so they will not be vulnerable to illness and abuse.
He added that a functional teen center is an embodiment of stronger ties between public and private stakeholders who are directly and indirectly involved in the attainment of development goals for their youth.
The Provincial Government spent P15.4 million for the establishment of the center, and provided P300,000 for the procurement of computers, musical instruments, and other materials needed for counseling as well as recreational activities at the teen center.
Since 2011, the Provincial Government appropriated funds for the establishment of 50 teen centers by 2017 which included the public high schools in island-barangays of northern Iloilo.
These were Tambaliza National High School in Tambaliza Island in Concepcion, and Granada National High School–Balesteros Campus in Barangay Gabi, Carles.
The establishment of multipurpose teen centers in every town was among the key investments that the governor made in the past five years for his youth development agenda.
“It is an investment that aims to empower the youth by giving them access to various programs that befit their needs,” Yee shared during the celebration of World Population Day on Monday, July 11.
Observed in the province through simultaneous symposia in selected teen centers, was the 2016 World Population Day revolved on the theme “Investing in Teenage Girls”.
The symposia reiterated the awareness campaign on the ill effects of both risky sexual (e.g. pre-marital sex) and non-sexual behaviors (e.g. cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol) to psychological and physical well-being of girls aging 13-19.
At present, 34 teen centers have been opened and two more will be become operational this month–De La Paz National High School in Banate and Anilao National High School in Anilao, Iloilo. (Jezza Nepomoceno)