The Laban Leni Negros Occidental (LLNO) supporters of presidential candidate Leni Robredo launched a new ‘Star of Hope’ at their headquarters in Bacolod City Tuesday night, November 30.
Millie Kilayko, a member of the LLNO core group, said “35 years ago, 2,000 workers in 16 communities in Negros Occidental produced 200,000 Stars of Hope as a massive livelihood project in a beleaguered province hit with hunger and unemployment. It was a pretty parol with lacework and frills.”
On Tuesday night, the Laban Leni Negros Occidental launched the current version of the Star of Hope. Inspired by Leni Robredo’s challenge to live a life of “radikal na pagmamahal,” today’s star of hope is but a simple pink cartolina cut-out but it represents a Christmas gift of two kilos of rice for an economically deprived family, she said.
“Introduced only two days ago on social media with a target of 1,000 families, we were overwhelmed with responses all over the world. By the time we officially kicked off the project this evening, volunteers had almost a thousand stars to hang”, she said.
“Because there is no limit to love, we’ve now doubled the target to 2,000 families. Send us a message before our December 15 deadline if you wish to share your love as well. We are ready to hang a star of hope on the tree for you and to share your love with a family in need,” she added.
LLNO volunteers earlier Tuesday also surprised afternoon promenaders at Bacolod City Government Center grounds with a flash mob dance.
The LLNO volunteer headquarters, which is open 24/7, is located at the Total Gas Station, CL Montelibano St, in Bacolod City, LLNO spokesperson Pinky Mirano Ocampo said.*