The Association of Negros Producers Inc. (ANP), Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI), and the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army conducted a joint outreach and assessment activity in Sitio Balatogan, Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City on Saturday, July 26.
ANP external affairs head Sybel Nobleza said that the activity laid the groundwork for the 2026 Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Negros Occidental.
Sitio Balatogan sits within a conservation zone connected to the Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed.
The assessment aimed to raise environmental awareness and identify community needs in areas such as connectivity, livelihood, and support for Indigenous Peoples elders and forest guards, Nobleza said.
She added that DOST-Negros Occidental will lead the delivery of technological supports under the CEST program, and the ANP will carry out livelihood training and product development, while the 94th Infantry Battalion will handle security and logistics.
The initiative supports Executive Order No. 70, which promotes the Whole-of-Nation Approach to ending local armed conflict. It also strengthens the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) of the local government by delivering peace and development services to far-flung areas, she said.
Education
Meanwhile, HBONI brought its Lakbay Turo program to the community and distributed hygiene kits to 90 children.
HBONI volunteers Andrelyn Bello and Waren Geronca led the storytelling sessions that taught children about hygiene, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.
“This is more than a donation. It’s a message of care, of presence, and of hope,” Bello said. “Through Lakbay Turo, we ensure that children do not only receive material aid but are also empowered with knowledge and values that help them grow healthy and strong.”
“This collaborative effort brought not only resources but also renewed morale among the residents, who expressed deep gratitude for the visit. As HBONI continues its purpose across Negros Island, the organization remains steadfast in its mission: to build hope, one community at a time through education, compassion, and partnerships,” HBONI said in a statement.
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.