Balon Dagupan Teen Center now open for the youth

BALON DAGUPAN NEWS

THE city’s new Teen Center is now open for the youth, following a turnover ceremony on May 21.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the simple rites with DepEd officials headed by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Lorna Bugayong. They were joined by officers from the Division Federated Supreme Student Government (DFSSG) and student leaders from other private and public schools.

Mayor Fernandez speaks to student leaders of the city during the turnover of the Balon Dagupan Teen Center on May 21. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

The Teen Center, located at the Balon Dagupan Civic Center in Poblacion Oeste, features a dance studio, a boxing sports arena and a conference room, complete with sets of computers. The center can also be used for symposiums, and student gatherings.

 “I was inspired by the youth centers built in other areas. I want our own youth to have a place to go to. This (center) will now serve as a place for them to convene and for them to hone their skills and talents in either sports or arts. I want this facility to always be free for the youth,” said Fernandez.

The new center is facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development office in partnership with the Department of Education.

Irene Ferrer, CSWD Officer-in-Charge, said there will be social workers in the center for youth seeking counseling. This is in line with the local government’s mission for zero-suicide cases in the city.

“Our social workers are ready to assist and listen to our youth if they need someone to talk to about their problems. The youth will be safe and secure here (at the Teen Center), with their confidentiality of utmost importance,” said Ferrer.

The city’s youth may also avail of other amenities at the Balon Dagupan Civic Center including free online research in the e-Library, and sports activities with the Olympic-size swimming pool and the lawn tennis courts which are nearing completion.

Erika Mae Pontawe, DFSSG president and a grade 12 student of Dagupan City National High School, thanked the mayor for another project benefiting the city’s youth.

“We want to thank Mayor Belen for this project. Not only will this allow us to hold symposiums that will hone our leadership skills, but it will allow the youth’s other interests and skills to develop and thrive,” said Pontawe. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

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