A Negros-based nonprofit emerged as the only organization from the Visayas to receive national recognition after being named among thecountry’ss top civic organizations in the 9th Villar Awards Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge.
The Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI), based in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, was recognized by the Villar Foundation during the awarding ceremony held at the Villar Foundation Hall in Las Piñas City on Saturday, July 25, after competing against more than 60 organizations from across the Philippines.
The foundation honored nine organizations for their community-based initiatives in reducing poverty—seven from Luzon, one from the Visayas, and one from Mindanao. Two organizations from Las Piñas City also received special awards.
HBONI said the recognition highlights the important role of grassroots organizations in addressing long-standing social and economic challenges, stressing that sustainable development begins within communities.
The organization said poverty and other social issues should continue to be openly discussed to develop lasting solutions instead of relying on temporary o” “band-a”d” interventions”
“HBONI remains committed to serving the communities on Negros Island, and this award speaks to our initiatives centered on the people we serve. It also acknowledges the efforts of other organizations working with us to make a meaningful impact towards more developed communitie”,” the organization said.
It added that poverty cannot be eliminated overnight, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires sustained collaboration between government agencies, private institutions, and community organizations.
As part of the recognition, HBONI received a customized trophy and a P150,000 cash prize, which it said will be used to strengthen its ongoing community-driven programs aimed at helping reduce poverty across Negros Island.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.