More than 5,000 students of Oton National High School (ONHS) will now enjoy modern spaces for learning and recreation with the turnover and inauguration of a ₱3.5-million Teen Center and a ₱3-million football field on Monday, September 9.
The twin projects, spearheaded by the Iloilo Provincial Government, make ONHS among the first schools in the province to benefit from these pioneering facilities aimed at strengthening youth development and promoting wellness.
The Teen Center is designed as a safe and supportive hub for young learners, providing avenues for leadership, values formation, and peer support. Meanwhile, the football field offers a world-class training ground for athletes, as well as a venue for school and community sporting events.
ONHS Principal Dr. Darwin Haro expressed gratitude for the projects, saying they mark a new chapter in the school’s efforts to nurture holistic student development.
“The establishment of the teen center is a significant addition to our school’s psychosocial support for our students. I am very happy for the gift of Teen Center from our Provincial Government,” said Haro.
Provincial Population Officer Atty. Ruel Von Superio highlighted the Teen Center’s role in addressing the needs of adolescents, from education to social support.
“Now, more than ever, we must stand united in building a society where no child is forced into motherhood and every young Filipino is equipped, supported, and empowered to shape our future nga may dignidad kag may hope sa ila buwas-damlag,” said by Atty. Superio.
Dr. Ma. Janelyn T. Fundal, head of the Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office (ISDMO), said the football field will inspire students to embrace sports as a way of building discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
“Building on this legacy, this project seeks to further strengthen grassroots football development and expand opportunities so that younger Ilonggos can pursue the sport passionately and competitively,” said by Dr. Fundal.
In his keynote message, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. underscored that the provincial government is committed to investing in young people as drivers of Iloilo’s progress.
“We are not only interested in your learning in the four walls of the classroom, interesado kami sa inyo social life. Because ang aton BES (Bulig sa Eskwela) Province Program is for total youth development. Dako gid (ini) nga parte sang inyo pangabuhi kag pag alam,” the Governor highlighted.
Nina Nicole Tefora, a Grade 7 student, said she is thankful for installation of teen center in their school. “The teen center is a venue where we can spend time with friends, have a place to relax, and to have a venue for study,” said Tefora.
Also gracing the occasion were Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, Oton Vice Mayor Jose Niel Olivares, municipal officials, provincial government department heads, employees, ONHS faculty, and students.
The event featured the signing of a pledge of commitment, induction of officers, ribbon cutting, blessings of facilities, unveiling of the marker, and inauguration of the football field.
(Earl James N. Gonzales & James Kenneth G. Lumogdang, WVSU interns)
#BESProbins
#morprogresiloilo