Silay City, Negros Occidental — The Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI) successfully held its Year-End Planning and Gathering (YEPG) on December 29–30, 2025, at Balay Lutak in Patag, Silay City, with the participation of 24 Hope Builders from different communities.

This year’s YEPG centered on prioritizing self-healing through reconnecting with nature, recognizing nature as a vital source of strength and energy that sustains Hope Builders in their work for and with communities. Surrounded by forests and fresh mountain air, the gathering provided a safe and reflective space where participants could pause, breathe, and realign their purpose after a demanding year.

The year 2025 proved to be particularly challenging for HBONI, as several of its community-based activities were affected by calamities and emergencies. These experiences tested the resilience of both the organization and its volunteers. However, the gathering emphasized a powerful realization shared among participants: while nature can bring challenges, it is also nature that offers healing, clarity, and renewed purpose.

A key highlight of the two-day activity was the sharing of personal stories and struggles. Hope Builders openly discussed the challenges they faced—both personal and organizational—and the reasons that keep them going in their advocacy for justice, compassion, and community empowerment. These moments of vulnerability strengthened solidarity among participants and reaffirmed their collective commitment to serve.

Beyond healing and reflection, the YEPG also served as a strategic planning platform. Hope Builders collectively identified the challenges and winning moments of HBONI in 2025, celebrating milestones while acknowledging areas for growth. The gathering concluded with forward-looking discussions, resulting in the identification of possible programs and activities to be implemented in the first quarter of 2026.

The HBONI Year-End Planning and Gathering stands as a testament to the organization’s belief that sustainable service begins with healed and grounded individuals. By reconnecting with nature and with one another, Hope Builders left Balay Lutak renewed—ready to face the coming year with clarity, courage, and hope.