Bringing smiles, giving hope

The Hope Foundation formed in 1986 has been helping people in Negros Occidental. Its name stands for Humanity, Opportunity, Productivity and Education, and it has undertaken life-changing and life-saving projects.

It celebrated its 22nd year at the New Saltimboca Function Hall in Bacolod, with the Harmony Band entertaining doctors and volunteers after the giving of awards.

In partnership with the Presidential Social Fund of former President Cory Aquino, H.O.P.E. has built 24 classrooms in four towns and four cities in the province.

Recently, it had a project on child labor prevention in three public elementary schools in Himamaylan City. This project was rated the best practice on advocacy and formal education for 2007 by Winrock-Circle International.

H.O.P.E. is best known for facilitating Operation Smile in the province, an annual mission that brings together medical and non-medial volunteers to perform reconstructive surgery for harelip and cleft palate and burn patients. It has assisted more than 2,300 patients with facial deformities.

President and chief executive officer Edith Villanueva said Hope Foundation has a tireless advocacy and calls for volunteerism.*

Remember: Remind yourself of the radiance and illumination that can be spread by just one small flame.*