Yucatán Launches First PILARES Center to Combat Social Inequality

Mérida, Yucatán — Yucatán state authorities have initiated construction of the first PILARES center—Puntos de Innovación, Libertad, Arte, Educación y Saberes (Points of Innovation, Liberty, Art, Education, and Knowledge)—in southern Mérida. The project involves an investment of 88 million pesos aimed at addressing the causes of social inequality and providing alternatives through training, sports, culture, and art.

Located in the Parque Ecológico Metropolitano del Sur ‘Yumtsil’ (meaning ‘Lord’ in the Mayan language), PILARES will make Yucatán the first southeastern state to adapt this model to local realities. The initiative is inspired by successful experiences promoted by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo during her tenure as Head of Government of Mexico City.

State Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena laid the foundation stone for this project as part of the local strategy Aliados por la Vida (Allies for Life), which seeks, among other strategies, to steer children and adolescents away from drugs and other family problems. The center is scheduled to open in 2026.

“Here in the south, where people have been forgotten for many years, we will build a place for culture, sports, and recreation for our girls, boys, and youth; the construction of other centers in Mérida and at least 35 other municipalities in the state is also planned, including Izamal and Temozón,” the governor stated in a communiqué.

He noted that the Parque Ecológico Metropolitano del Sur ‘Yumtsil’ is a green lung of Mérida that has long been seen as forgotten land with enormous untapped potential, but today it is put at the service of the people and transformed into the heart of a project that unites environment, community, and social justice.

The ultimate goal is to steer girls, boys, and youth away from vices and drugs with alternatives that fill their minds and time.

The PILARES centers of the Yucatán Government will be comprehensive well-being centers offering social and psychological care, digital education, sports activities, and workshops in art, music, and trades, which will have the recognition and validation of the state Secretariat of Education.

Similarly, alternatives and care services will be offered for girls and boys, older adults, and even people with disabilities.

Among other officials present were the honorary president of the Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) Yucatán, Wendy Méndez, and the Secretary of Education, Juan Balam.