LAS PIÑAS CITY, Philippines — Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI) has once again brought honor to Negros Island and the Visayas after being named one of the National Winners of the 9th Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge 2026. The prestigious awarding ceremony was held on July 25, 2026, in Las Piñas City, recognizing the country’s most outstanding youth-led organizations committed to addressing poverty through innovative and sustainable community initiatives.
From over 60 youth organizations across the Philippines that submitted entries, HBONI emerged as one of the National Winners after undergoing a highly competitive selection process that included paper evaluation, validation, and national judging. Notably, HBONI was the only organization from the Visayas to secure a spot among this year’s National Winners.
For its exemplary programs and community impact, HBONI received a cash award of ₱150,000, which will further support its grassroots initiatives in education, livelihood, youth empowerment, disaster response, and community development.
The recognition marks another milestone for the youth-led non-profit organization that has continuously championed service and social innovation among marginalized communities across Negros Island.
“This award is more than a recognition for HBONI. It is a celebration of every child whose dreams we have nurtured, every family who has entrusted us with their stories, and every volunteer who chose to serve beyond themselves,” said Kenneth Bacala, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of HBONI.
Members of the HBONI Administrative Council proudly attended the national awarding ceremony, representing the organization’s growing community of volunteers, partners, and beneficiaries whos eefforts made the recognition possoble.
HBONI’s journey in the Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge reflects years of dedicated grassroots work that has empowered children, youth, indigenous peoples, and underserved communities through programs anchored on education, leadership development, environmental stewardship, and sustainable livelihood. Through partnerships and volunteer-driven initiatives, the organization continues to advocate that poverty reduction begins with empowering communities and investing in people.
With the National Winner title and the support of the ₱150,000 award, HBONI looks forward to strengthening its programs and creating more opportunities that will enable communities not only to survive, but to thrive.
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