05/02/2026
A Promise Taking Shape in Vallehermoso
Community work feels more than administrative when it becomes sacred.
One such moment unfolded in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, during a productive and promising humanitarian collaboration held at Hacienda Lopez, bringing together the Local Government Unit of Vallehermoso, the Vallehermoso Helping Hands Foundation led by Madam Teresa G. Lopez, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It was a productive meeting gathering hearts aligned by purpose.
Present during the discussion were Madam Teresa Tess Z. Lopez, President and Founder of Vallehermoso Helping Hands Foundation and owner of ABS-CBN; Hon. Mayor Aloma S. Gustillo; Hon. Vice Mayor Marianne S. Gustillo; Councilor Ricky Schon; Sir Michael Ocampo, COO; and Sir Carlo Obrero, along with President Andy Edem of San Carlos District, President Angelo Tabanao of Vallehermoso branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints who came together to address real needs and envision sustainable solutions.
The concerns laid before the table were both practical and deeply human.
In education, the goal is clear: all-concrete classrooms that initiates a move away from makeshift structures toward learning spaces that offer dignity, safety, and permanence.
And while many classrooms are already sturdy, the shared hope is to ensure every child learns in an environment built to last.
Water sanitation and supply were also central to the conversation.
In Tagbino, water access remains inconsistent, and reports of Malangsa having water shortages.
In Pinocawan, older systems revealed homes without septic tanks, prompting plans for structured septic facilities with multiple cabins to better manage sanitation.
Meanwhile, in more remote bukid areas, traditional single-cabin setups still discharge directly into the soil emphasizing the urgent need for filtration and improved systems.
Barangay Malangsa continues to face water supply challenges, a reminder that access to clean water is not yet equal for all.
These are not abstract issues but are daily realities for families.
And yet, woven into these discussions was also beauty culture, creativity, and resilience.
After the collaborative and constructive session,
we were graciously offered a short tour around the vicinity, where we were able to see firsthand the meaningful work of the Helping Hands Foundation particularly its support for arts and crafts created by persons deprived of liberty, giving them not only livelihood but dignity through creativity.
We were also shown a public library with an impressive collection of books, freely open for all.
Residents of Vallehermoso are truly encouraged to take advantage of this beautiful resource for learning and growth.
The visit concluded at the museum rich in history and heritage reminding us that while we build communities through infrastructure, we also preserve their soul through culture.
The museum named after his father, a cellist, now houses meaningful works from artists such as Kitty Taniguchi, and an inspiring legacy of the late Lang Dulang, a national artist.
They were also able to train some local artisans who have begun weaving after learning from master weavers in Bacong, breathing new life into traditional crafts.
What made this gathering especially powerful was its spirit of unity. Government leaders, private foundations, artists, and faith-based organizations sat together not to compete, but to listen. Not to impress, but to improve lives.
This is what Zion looks like in practice.
Hoping for concrete classrooms rising where there were once temporary walls.
Hope for clean water flowing where there was scarcity.
And a hope for art preserved, culture honored, and communities strengthened.
The road ahead is long, but the foundation is strong.
And when hearts come together in service, even the smallest municipality can become a place of great promise.
via Lujana Herrenauw | DCCC
