The first Bauang Teen Center had been blessed by Fr. Emmanuel Bahiwag during its soft opening on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Barangay Central West, this municipality. The significant event was attended by Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, Municipal Vice Mayor Henry A. Bacurnay, Jr., Sangguniang Bayan Member (SBM) Tanya Roberta A. De Guzman, SBM Felix P. Sanchez, SBM Veronica T. Bernardo, SBM Myrna U. Ligas, SBM Bonifacio Malinao, Jr., SBM Danilo P. Abuan, SBM Donny Ceazar D. Baradi, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Rich Carlo A. Barnachea, Administrator for Operations Mr. Wilson Samuel C. Caluza, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Ms. Arlie R. Alonzo and other Department Heads and employees of the Municipal Government of Bauang. The funding for the facility was donated by the office of Senator Risa Hontiveros amounting to P10 Million Pesos.
The Bauang Teen Center will primarily cater to the youth, but will also cater to victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). It features a dormitory, much like a survivor shelter. The Center will be staffed by three (3) personnel from the MSWDO and will be headed by Mr. Rogelio Jovan P. Lanang, Local Youth Development Officer (LYDO).
In La Union, San Fernando City and several municipalities have already launched their Teen Centers. Barangays are also recommended to open their respective Teen Centers to better cater to the youth, women, and children from far-flung areas.
According to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), “A Teen Center is an integrated and comprehensive facility that provides appropriate information, skills, and services to adolescents and young people.” Other services provided by the MSWDO are: pre-marriage counselling, early childhood care and development program, Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Pantawid Pamilya Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), among others.