KABANKALAN CITY, Negros Occidental — On May 8, 2026, the Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI) successfully conducted its Hinun-anon session for more than 30 youth in the remote Karulano community of Brgy. Carol-anon, Kabankalan City, bringing empowerment, reflection, and hope to one of the city’s most geographically isolated upland areas.
Situated approximately 42 kilometers from Kabankalan’s city proper, Karulano is a mountainous indigenous community known for its rich cultural heritage, strong communal values, and deep ancestral roots. However, despite its unique identity, the community continues to face persistent challenges, including difficult road access, poverty, limited educational opportunities, and insufficient access to essential services.
HBONI’s Hinun-anon, a community-centered dialogue and youth engagement initiative, created a safe and meaningful space for Karulano’s young people to discuss leadership, identity, personal aspirations, and the realities they face as members of an underserved upland community.
Through interactive discussions and empowerment sessions, the youth were encouraged to embrace their roots while recognizing their potential as future leaders capable of transforming their community.
The activity highlighted not only the dreams of Karulano’s younger generation but also the pressing issues they continue to navigate—such as educational limitations, economic struggles, and social isolation brought by their remote location.
Despite these barriers, the Karulano community remains a symbol of resilience. Their strong cultural pride, unity, and determination to preserve their heritage continue to shape their collective identity.
HBONI emphasized the importance of empowering marginalized youth, particularly in indigenous and upland communities, by ensuring that their voices are heard and their leadership potential is nurtured.
By reaching Karulano through Hinun-anon, HBONI further strengthened its commitment to building hope in underserved communities across Negros Island, proving that distance should never be a barrier to transformation.
As Karulano’s youth continue to rise above challenges, initiatives like Hinun-anon serve as vital stepping stones toward a future where leadership, cultural preservation, and community development go hand in hand.
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