Published in the Negros Daily Bulletin newspaper on Tue, 03/13/2018

The City Government of Talisay headed by Mayor Neil E. Lizares III is grateful for the generosity, love and the untiring support to the city, most especially to the Hope GK Sibol Community by Ms. Anna C. Balcells together with other benefactors, Mr. And Mrs. Anthony and Denise Vandenhurk of Canada and Mr. Dan Oñate of New York. These people flew miles away from their homes just to visit and bring good news to GK Hope Village.

City officials of Talisay, staff, teachers, students and parents welcome benefactors Miss Balcells and the Vandenhurk and Oñate couples from Canada and New York.*

To date, there are about 99 households, an elementary school with nearly 400 students and still growing community in the Hope GK Sibol Village. For the past 12 years, great things have become of the once barren and undeveloped piece of land in that part of the city. Since then, Miss Balcells with the Vandenhurk and Oñate couples have continuously and untiringly committed themselves in providing assistance and support needed in developing the community and for working hand in hand with the city government and the Gawad Kalinga Team in bringing more projects and programs for the development and growth of the people of Hope GK Village.

The benefactors of Hope Gawad Kalinga Sibol Elementary School, Miss Balcells with the Vandenhurk and Oñate couples.*

School buildings, houses and other amenities and services are among the many beneficial projects that have been and will continue to come for the Hope GK Sibol Community. Thanks to the generosity of these beautiful people.

SPM Carl Lizares, Asst. City Administrator Ismael Penado and Executive Assistant for Culture and Arts Rene Lacson, with the Gawad Kalinga Team, composed of Amelito Lizares, Nick Gallego, Bobby Magalona, Ricky Lacson and Butch Javellana join the Hope GK Sibol Elementary School pupils, parents, faculty and staff led by Ma’am Lilibeth Cuenca and the whole GK Community in welcoming the guests.*