The newly-inaugurated Teen Center 2.0 at Dominador Abang Memorial National High School is seen to address the rising concern over teenage pregnancy in the municipality of San Enrique – by offering compassionate and holistic development programs for the youth.
The Sentro Kalinga Teen Center 2.0 which officially opened on August 18, 2025, offers “kalinga” or care to 427 students of DAMNHS in Barangay Garita and its feeder barangays, Mapili and Cubay.
Iloilo Provincial Population Office chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio said the facility aims to curb the rampant case of teenage pregnancy through a multi-faceted approach that includes reproductive health coaching, mental health education, peer counseling, life skills training, and even legal aid.
Atty. Superio cited an “alarming” report from the Commission on Population and Development regarding the worsening state of adolescent pregnancy in the country.
According to the CPD, girls as young as 12 years old are already on their second pregnancy while 15-year-olds are giving birth to their third child. One in six teen births is a repeat pregnancy.
“These are not just statistics – they are real lives. That is why let us work together to build a community where no child is forced into motherhood, and every young Filipino is empowered to take charge of their future,” Atty. Superio said.
Mayor Gian Carlo Niño Fernandez backed the report cited by Atty. Superio, admitting that teenage pregnancy is one of the prevailing issues in their municipality. He thanked the provincial government for providing them with a dedicated space that will serve as a sanctuary for the San Enrique youth.
Vice Mayor Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez added that the teen center will also address other relevant youth issues in their town such as violence against women and children, substance abuse, and underage drinking.
The Teen Center 2.0 is a level-up version of the existing school-based multi-purpose teen center project of the Iloilo provincial government.
The upgraded version involves the construction of a P3.5 million stand-alone building dedicated as a venue for the development and empowerment of the adolescents.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said this building signifies the provincial government’s “commitment to the total development of the Ilonggo youth.”
“This facility plays a big part in your life outside of the classroom. This is the extension of your home. This is for your psychosocial welfare,” Defensor said.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Governor Defensor, Atty. Superio, Mayor Fernandez, Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, Vice Mayor Fernandez, Fourth District Board Member Rolando Distura and SK Provincial Federation President Esara Javier.
Joining them are Principal II Jonney Panizales, DepEd Iloilo Chief Education Supervisor Gilbert Solidum, and the municipal and barangay officials, among others.
(Capitol News)
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