The Iloilo Provincial Government is investing P42.5 million to establish 10 new mental health facilities aimed at expanding access to counseling and psychosocial support services for children, adolescents, and families across the province.
The project forms part of the provincial government’s Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion (PRIME), a 24/7 mental health initiative designed to make mental health services more accessible to Ilonggos.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. formally turned over the project funds to beneficiary local government units and institutions on July 6, paving the way for the construction of five Teen Centers and five Family and Youth Development Centers (FYDCs).
The Teen Centers will be built in public high schools in the municipalities of Tigbauan, Batad, Dingle, Anilao, and Barotac Viejo.
Meanwhile, the Family and Youth Development Centers will rise in Miag-ao, Alimodian, Maasin, Anilao, and Barotac Viejo.
Once completed, the facilities will serve as community-based hubs for counseling, mental health interventions, adolescent health services, responsible parenthood education, and life skills training for young people and their families.
Provincial officials said the expansion of the PRIME program underscores the provincial government’s continuing commitment to strengthening mental health services and promoting the emotional well-being of Ilonggos through accessible, community-based support systems.IMT
