A youth-led organization in Negros Occidental has taken a major step forward in strengthening its programs for vulnerable communities after securing a ₱766,000 grant under the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Institutional Partnership Program (IPP).
The Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute (NYLI) formally joined the IPP following a grant turnover ceremony held on January 26, 2026, at the PCSO Negros Occidental Branch.
The funding signals not only financial support but also institutional backing for NYLI’s mission to protect, heal, and empower survivors of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence across the province.
NYLI currently serves 260 clients, many of whom are survivors seeking recovery and long-term support. With the fresh funding, the organization plans to scale up its initiatives, particularly the establishment of dedicated safe spaces that promote mental wellness and sustained psychological care.
These spaces are envisioned as sanctuaries for healing—where survivors can access counseling, structured recovery programs, and community-based support systems.
Leading the NYLI delegation during the turnover were Margaret de Asis, Health and Well-Being Program Officer; Jomar Borromeo, Program Director; and Kevin Gaitan, Executive Director. Representing the PCSO Negros Occidental Branch were Administrative Officer III Cornelio Vicente Umilin and Social Welfare Officer II Johna Penaga, underscoring the collaborative nature of the partnership.
The inclusion of NYLI in the IPP highlights PCSO’s continuing commitment to empowering grassroots organizations that address pressing health and social welfare concerns at the community level. Through the program, qualified institutions and non-government organizations receive assistance to implement projects designed to uplift at-risk sectors and strengthen local support systems.
For NYLI, the grant represents more than operational funding—it marks an expanded mandate to deepen its impact in Negros Occidental, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not only protected but given meaningful pathways toward healing and empowerment.