What begins here, on this very ground, will grow into more than buildings.
It will grow into a family. A community. A future.
Updates from Phase I
Progress continues in Sorsogon
July 2026
Our vision remains unchanged: to create a safe, loving, and sustainable home for vulnerable children in the Bicol region.
As with many meaningful projects, the path forward has required patience and adaptation. The process of securing the necessary title and permission to build on our land is taking longer than anticipated, primarily because the property is classified as agricultural. Until those matters are resolved, we have paused construction of the children’s home.
This is a pause in construction—not a pause in our mission.
Developing the farm
While the building plans are paused, development of the farm continues. This work allows us to care for the land, build local knowledge, and make progress toward the sustainable community envisioned for GYVOH.
The long-term goal is for the farm to help provide food for the children and staff, contribute to operating costs, and eventually create opportunities for training and community livelihood development.
Learning from Aloha House
We recently had the privilege of visiting Aloha House in Palawan and spending time with co-founder Keith Mikkelson.
Founded by Narcisa and Keith Mikkelson, Aloha House combines care for children with organic farming, food production, farmer training, and community livelihood development. Their experience offers valuable lessons about how an organization can grow responsibly and work toward greater sustainability over time.
GYVOH will not simply duplicate another organization’s program. Instead, we hope to learn from Aloha House’s experience and identify practices that are appropriate for our mission, location, resources, and the needs of the community we will serve.
Exploring an alternative building site
While the land-title process continues, we are also evaluating the purchase of another parcel near our existing property.
Our goal is to identify land that would allow construction of the children’s home without the same agricultural land-use restrictions. No purchase decision has been made. Any potential property will need to undergo appropriate title, land-use, financial, and organizational review before GYVOH moves forward.
We will share additional information when there is a confirmed development.
Responding to an immediate need
The local Department of Social Welfare and Development has made GYVOH aware of an immediate need for services for children with autism in Sorsogon.
In response, GYVOH will sponsor one child to receive services through Spectrum Therapy Center for a one-year trial period. The sponsorship will be funded through contributions from donors who have specifically approved the use of their gifts for this purpose.
During the trial period, GYVOH will:
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Monitor the child’s participation and documented progress
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Review the services and reports provided by the therapy center
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Confirm that funds are used for the approved purpose
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Evaluate the sponsorship before making any commitment beyond the trial year
This is a limited pilot sponsorship. It does not replace our mission to build a home for vulnerable children, nor does it represent a decision to establish or operate an autism treatment center.
Moving forward with care
Although the timing of our original construction plan has changed, GYVOH continues to move forward with care and purpose.
Our current priorities are to:
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Resolve the title and land-use requirements affecting the existing property
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Continue responsible development of the farm
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Evaluate the feasibility of an alternative building site
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Complete and assess the one-year child sponsorship
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Protect donor intent and communicate significant developments transparently
Thank you for your patience, trust, and continued belief in this mission. We remain committed to building something lasting for vulnerable children and to making each decision responsibly.
Stay Connected
We will continue sharing meaningful milestones, photographs, and decisions as the work progresses.