By Jezza A. Nepomoceno

Dubbed the Multipurpose Counseling and Family Development Center (MCFDC), the Iloilo provincial government will be setting up couples counseling centers in the towns of Oton, San Miguel, Alimodian, Cabatuan, Dueñas, and Concepcion this year.
“This is where couples can learn about marriage enrichment and how to resolve or avoid marital crisis and depending on the case,” said Provincial Population Officer Ramon Yee. “There will be trial separation counseling to those who think that their marriage is collapsing.”
He noted, the centers will give priority to married clients with marital problems and conflicting parenting styles.
MCFDC will also serve individuals, youth, single parents, and indigenous people in order to develop their potential as individuals, responsible spouses, parents, and active members of the community.
“The solid foundation of the family is one of the major determinants of having an empowered community, the reason why interventions have to be made in order to make couples realize their responsibilities in founding a family,” Yee added.
The center will be manned by trained marriage counselors, with a budget of P1.8 million.
MCFDC operates in partnership with the host local government unit, Liga ng Mga Barangay, and faith-based organizations.
Center openings are expected begin next month and run through August./WDJ