The Iloilo provincial government inaugurated its 11th completed Teen Center 2.0 infrastructure project at Alejandro Firmeza Memorial National High School in Barangay Aguiauan, Miagao, Iloilo.
Named after the Hiligaynon word “agubay” which means "to support, guide, or help", Balay Agubay is designed to serve 635 secondary students and youth across the school’s 21 feeder barangays.
“It is a place where young people can feel accepted and guided on their journey to becoming responsible individuals and leaders,” said Officer-in-Charge and Teen Center Coordinator El Nualda.
Provincial Population Officer (PPO) Atty. Ruel Von Superio emphasized that Balay Agubay aims to nurture academically competent, emotionally healthy, and socially engaged Kabataang Ilonggos.
“In the Province of Iloilo, we believe that every investment we make in our young people is an investment in human development. By touching, enriching and empowering the lives of our youth today, we are building stronger families, empowered communities and a brighter future for Iloilo,” the PPO chief said.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. highlighted that the facility will host various initiatives under his Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins) Program. These include the career guidance and counseling to prepare students for future pathways; voter's education to foster civic responsibility; and the Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion (PRIME) to champion positive mental health.
“Your education is vital, but your social and psychosocial well-being is equally important,” Defensor reaffirmed.
The inauguration was led by Governor Defensor, Board Member Jo Ann Germinanda, Mayor Richard Garin, Vice Mayor Ma. Salve Pechayco, Atty. Superio, Local Youth Development Officer Sheila Tuares, and Acting Provincial Engineer Jeb Escarilla, and the municipal and barangay officials.
Also in attendance were Provincial Librarian Allana Delgado and Iloilo Sports Development and Management Chief Ma. Janelyn Fundal.
To support the center's operations, the Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives donated 50 books while the Iloilo Sports Management and Development Office turned over sports equipment, including nine footballs and five basketballs.
Mayor Garin expressed gratitude to the provincial government for its continued investment in Miagao.
He cited other ongoing and upcoming projects, including the P6 million Resilience Hub, a P2 million public comfort room project, and the soon-to-be-constructed P5 million Family and Youth Development Center (FYDC).