In life, they say that “there is no growth in the comfort zone because life begins one step outside of it. Thus, overcoming fear is no easy task, but having a strong heart, will, and commitment will surely vanquish one’s fear and uncertainties.

Wilfred Miranda is a 23-year-old lad from Barangay Sara-et, Himamaylan City, is a loving and hardworking son. He has a big and caring family. In fact, Wilfred is the seventh child among the nine siblings.

His father works as a fisherman to support their needs, while his mother works as a plain housewife. In order to help his parents, Wilfred became one of the city scholars to continue his dream of becoming a professional teacher.

He is an independent and once a self-sustaining student taking up a Bachelor in Secondary Education with a Major in Social Science at West Visayas State University, Himamaylan City Campus. With his dedication and grit, he just graduated from college on May 30, 2025.

He used to join festival dances, became a vendor, and has some sideline jobs to support his studies, for him not to solely depend on his parents.

“Before HBONI became part of my life, I was only a simple student with the simple dream that one day I would finish my studies and help my parents and my family members uplift our quality of life. But, when I knew HBONI, that’s the time where I learned to overcome my fear,” he said.

He shared that he used to push back from mingling to others but since he found a safe space at HBONI, he was able to get rid of shyness.

“Lack of self-confidence was one of my weaknesses before, especially in terms of socializing with other people. But everything changed when I started volunteering with HBONI. That is when I got a chance to meet new people and interact with them. People from the different communities, and most especially people from the organization that I worked with as well as my mentors, are a big help and a reason for me to boost my confidence,” he said.

Community engagement

Wilfred’s first community engagement with HBONI was being part of the PAGbASA: May Pag-asa sa Pagbasa Program in Brgy. Talaban in Himamaylan City.

“My first engagement was my realizations about the realities of life where many of the children there suffer in their education because of poverty,” he said.

His firsthand observation was his motivation to step up from his comfort zone and help the kids in his own simple way. “I find my true purpose in life because of teaching these kids”.

“When I become a member of HBONI, my engagement becomes many. My engagements with the kids and with the community were my strong hold to continue helping them. Before, I did not experience joining tree planting activities, facilitating a feeding program, or volunteering for tutorial services with the kids every weekend. HBONI, let me experience the realities in the grassroot community,” he said.

Wilfred, despite being hesitant and shy at first, later turned into a community catalyst.

“HBONI helped me get out of my comfort zone and embrace my unique self, my skills, and my abilities. I had improved a lot, and my character development from a simple student to a leader is because of the HBONI,” he said.

Realizations

Wilfred also learned to commit to himself helping the vulnerable sector. Among the many realizations he learned, commitment is very important and the one thing that drives him to continue what he has started.

One lesson that Wilfred will not forget from the organization was that, it changed his life for the better. From working with the community to accepting to be the Deputy Head for Logistics to becoming a community mobilizer until becoming an area coordinator of the ABC+ Project, “These experiences tested my patience and abilities; I realized that it’s not a one-man job alone but always a team effort.

“As one of the Hope Builders, I am always thankful for all the constructive criticism, which I see as a stepping stone for my growth. Through them, I got to know my flaws and weaknesses, which gave me the idea of how to put myself in a good perspective. I really learned a lot from a simple Wilfred as a student to a volunteer and now a leader that creates inspiration for my fellow youth,” he said.

A simple student like Wilfred Miranda is an epitome of hope that springs from fear. His fear becomes his armor in helping his family, especially the kids, and the community.

Indeed, the fear that once blanketed Miranda’s journey has brought a positive result. It’s just a matter of perspective, not a hindrance.*