• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Government officially opened its first Youth Lounge and Co-Working Space at the third-floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central, offering a dedicated, free-of-charge facility for indigent youths and students studying within Bacolod.
Students will have access to lounge and study spaces, as well as essential amenities like free instant coffee, free wifi, and free printing, though the printing service is limited to 50 pages per person.
The space includes a conference room available for meetings and seminars, which operates on a first-come, first-served reservation basis.
According to Atty. Jose Marty Go, the youth lounge is one of the priority projects of Mayor Greg Gasataya created under Executive Order No. 18, aimed to provide space for youth interaction, learning.
“This facility is designed to give our youth a conducive environment for their ideas, hub for collaboration, and a safe space for guidance, support, and empowerment,” Gasataya said.
It will be managed by the Bacolod Youth Development Council.
Executive Assistant Ayesha Joy Villaflor confirmed that the facility can accommodate between 30 to 50 students daily.
“It is really much appreciated in our end because it’s a free space that everyone can access,” representative from the youth Joshua Villalobos said.
The space will maintain extended hours, operating Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.*
