Negros Occidental, a province where natural beauty and adversities coexist, is home to fertile fields and resilient communities. Amid these, Sybel Nobleza stands out, bravely pushing for grassroots development on the fourth largest island in the country.
For eight years, Nobleza has worked with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), breathing life into different polarized communities and became one of the key figures in development projects across the province.
She told Brigada Kabankalan that her passion for community development was born during a 2016 immersion in Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City.
“The steep, unpaved roads there hampered the delivery of farm produce to the city center. It was a stark reminder of the challenges farmers face daily,” she said.
Nobleza’s work is about more than livelihood programs or development initiatives—it’s about rewriting the narrative of empowerment in communities long overlooked by systemic neglect.
Her second immersion, in Barangay Prosperidad, San Carlos City, was transformative. “I reflected on how unfair life is for farmers,” she recounted. “They feed us, yet they earn so little because of exploitative middlemen.”
A year later, alongside civic organizations, Nobleza helped mainstream the farmers’ products, which now supply various restaurants and hotels in Bacolod City. Through ANP, she began supporting small-scale producers across Negros Occidental.
But it wasn’t just tools or training that the communities needed—they needed an advocate. Nobleza lived among the farmers, eating their meals and listening to their struggles.
“I can’t help people if I don’t understand their struggles. Solutions must come from the ground, not an office,” she said.
Braving Risks
Nobleza’s commitment often took her to the hinterlands once considered as rebel strongholds. In 2022, she visited a remote community in Himamaylan City just days before an encounter between state forces and alleged rebels transpired.
“I was anxious and afraid, but I reminded myself why I was there—the community was waiting for help with their products,” she said.
Her efforts paid off when products from these areas were showcased at the Negros Trade Fair (NTF), the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair, giving rural producers access to urban markets.
Despite the risks, Nobleza spoke candidly about the challenges she faced, with support from the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion. “It’s heartbreaking to witness the gap between promises and delivery,” she said, expressing frustration over government delays in providing essential infrastructure and services such as roads, electrification, schools, and healthcare.
She also observed that while many hinterland residents lack formal education, they possess remarkable skills and talents. “What they need is support—someone to guide them and help them reach their full potential,” she said.
Amid inconsistent support from local government units, Nobleza has persevered, partnering with organizations like the Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc., EyeHear Foundation, Yusay Foundation, and other organizations to expand her advocacy.
Personal sacrifices
The work has come at a personal cost. Nobleza, who is now the ANP’s external affairs manager, admitted that there were moments when she considered resigning due to stress and missed time with her family members, including her three sons.
“I almost gave up, but realizing that communities were counting on me, I kept going,” she said.
In time, her family came to appreciate her passion and offered their full support, she said.
Reflecting on her eight-year journey and counting, she hopes for a future where rural communities no longer have to wait for basic services from the government.
“Negros Occidental is abundant in resources and its people. They deserve well-connected roads, quality schools for their children, and opportunities that nurture their dreams,” she said.
Her tireless efforts have inspired colleagues and earned her a place on the board of the Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. But for Nobleza, the work is far from done. “When you see a child dreaming of becoming a teacher or a farmer just wanting a better life, you realize you can’t stop,” she said.
She also called out officials for unsustainable aid programs. “They [the communities] want more because they deserve more. Our public funds should be used prudently for the betterment of society,” she said.
“We know that the lack of government opportunities contributes to conflict. And so, to resolve such conflicts, we must provide what the people deserve. It’s important to remember that even in the most neglected areas of the province, change is possible—if someone is willing to plant the seed,” Nobleza told Brigada.
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, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.