Bright Hope is a non-profit organization. The organization's objective is to contribute to safer communities. To achieve this objective, Bright Hope's mission is to promote lifelong learning across all age groups. Bright Hope focuses on three thematic areas to fulfill its mission, namely Early Childhood Education, Learning & Development, and Prison Ministry, specifically the Promotion of Reintegration Programs for Persons Deprived of Liberty and their Families.

History of Bright Hope

In 2024, Bright Hope inaugurated its training and consulting department called Bright Hope Trainings. Bright Hope Trainings provide Strengths Awareness and Development Workshops, Legal Wellness Sessions, as well as other relevant training to help individuals and organizations discover their full potential.

Bright Hope has a humble beginning as a reading center founded by husband and wife tandem, Atty. Dexter Diwas and Abigail Diwas, in 2011. Their primary objective was to provide free reading programs for children enrolled in public schools who lacked the means to afford reading enrichment sessions. The fees for these programs were generously shouldered by their friends who shared their belief in the cause. Beyond offering free or subsidized reading enrichment, the founders also aimed to create employment opportunities for dedicated teachers.

In 2014, Bright Hope was incorporated and registered its Kindergarten School with the Department of Education. Today, it offers classes for Baby, Toddler, Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten levels, catering to a wide range of early childhood education needs.

In 2019, the organization initiated its Prison Ministry with a project named “Balik Laya”. This initiative aims to prepare Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) prior to their release through Strengths Awareness & Development Sessions and other relevant trainings, but mainly, as a faith-based organization, to introduce Jesus Christ. Additionally, one of the project's objectives is to foster inclusivity by organizing activities designed to reduce stigma against former PDLs and their families.

Meet the Founders

Atty. Dexter Diwas

Abigail Diwas, RGC

Dexter is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and a lawyer by profession. He combines his legal background in learning and development and program management.

Dexter's journey began with his academic pursuits at Silliman University, where he obtained a degree in Speech and Theater Arts. He later on pursued a Juris Doctor degree from Saint Louis University. He gained a solid legal foundation from serving as a Public Attorney. In 2021, he was awarded as one of the five (5) Outstanding Citizens of Baguio City for his work as a Legal Wellness Advocate and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.

With his prison reform advocacy and his experience in program management, he worked for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and served several roles such as the National Program Officer for Prison Reform and as a Consultant for Capacity Building and Training Management.

Moreover, Dexter's passion for learning and development has led him to establish Bright Hope Trainings, a platform dedicated to providing comprehensive training programs, coaching, and consulting services to individuals and organizations seeking growth and transformation.

Currently, he serves as Bright Hope's Executive Director overseeing Bright Hope's three thematic areas, early childhood education, learning & Development, and the Prison and Jail Ministry. 

Abbey is currently engaged as a guidance counselor at the International School Manila located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Previously, she was the Guidance Counselor and Learning Support Coordinator at Brent International School Baguio Inc. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Counseling from St. Scholastica’s College Manila, and a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Saint Louis University, Baguio City. She also holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate from University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Currently, she is completing her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at De La Salle University, Manila.

With more than 20 years experience in the counseling field, she has worked with children, teens, adults and families from diverse backgrounds. Her areas of expertise include social emotional learning, college and career counseling, special education, youth leadership programs, social skills training for children and teens, teen depression and anxiety, and marriage and relationship counseling.

She has conducted trainings and workshops for organization leaders, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, families, and students on topics such as basic counseling skills, child protection, self-management, bullying awareness and prevention, managing challenging behaviors in the classroom, self-harming behaviors, cognitive distortions and reframing, learning styles, personality, and interests.

She is a licensed Guidance Counselor and Psychometrician in the Philippines. She is a member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling, American School Counselor Association, and the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association.

As one of the founders of Bright Hope, she regularly shares his experience and expertise to Bright Hope teachers and staff. 

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