The Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI) was recognized by the Villar Foundation as one of the country’s top civic organizations during the 9th Villar Awards Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge, emerging from more than 60 participating organizations nationwide.
During the awarding ceremony at the Villar Foundation Hall in Las Piñas City on Saturday, July 25, the foundation honored nine organizations—seven from Luzon, one from the Visayas, and one from Mindanao—for their outstanding community-based initiatives in reducing poverty.
Two organizations from Las Piñas City also received special awards.
HBONI was the only organization from the Visayas to receive the national recognition.
In a statement, HBONI said the award affirms that grassroots leaders play a vital role in addressing the country’s challenges, from education to the economy, and that sustainable solutions should be built from the ground up.
The organization also emphasized that social issues, including poverty, must continue to be discussed to identify long-term solutions rather than relying on temporary or band-aid measures.
“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 communities,” the organization said.
It added, “The organization believes that poverty cannot be addressed in just one flick of an eye. It is a process and a work in progress that can only be achieved when all agencies, whether public or private, work hand in hand to solve this issue.”
HBONI received a customized trophy and a P150,000 cash prize, which the organization said will be used to support its ongoing community-driven initiatives aimed at helping alleviate poverty across Negros Island.
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