By Noelle Hui
As we celebrate the month of love, we are invited to pause and reflect on what this beautiful word truly means. Love is a word so deep and full of meaning, yet one we use every day—sometimes casually, almost effortlessly. But words, no matter how beautiful, only become meaningful when they are carried by action.
At TheOneHourProject (TOHP), love is not an abstract feeling. It is the choice to show up, to follow through, and to give time even when there is no spotlight, no reward, and no immediate return. TOHP’s love language is love in action and this month, we celebrate news that reflects this kind of love language.
Here are some stories that show how love took shape—not just as intention, but as commitment.
- United Nations Designates 2026 as The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development
Love is showing up, even when it’s inconvenient – and nothing brings this to life quite like volunteers (we should know – we are forever in awe of the wonderful people that sign up year after year at TOHP)! How fitting, then, that the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, with Vietnam ranking #1 in volunteerism and the Philippines close behind at #2.
One of the most honest expressions of love is presence. In 2025 and in early 2026, we witnessed TOHP volunteers showing up in early mornings, late evenings, and weekends to give their one hour—sometimes more—to causes that needed steady hands and open hearts. Love, we were reminded, is not always loud. Sometimes it is an alarm clock set earlier than usual. Sometimes it is logging on when energy is low. And sometimes it is choosing to be there again, even after the novelty has worn off.
- Indigenous Stewardship Groundup Work Increased Significantly in 2025
Love is building for others, not for applause – In the past year, Indigenous Stewardship groundup work increased significantly—proudly led mostly by youth. Not because it was popular or fit aesthetic social media narratives, but because these young leaders deeply understood the importance of restoring ecosystems, dignified livelihood and honoring the cultures of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
This kind of love is deeply intentional. It sees, addresses, and rebuilds. One of TOHP’s partner organisations, Liwanag at Dunong is a staunch advocate of uplifting the Aetas (an indigenous people in the Philippines) through education and solidarity. Their programs try to ensure education and progress for all – especially the marginalised indigenous communities.
(In case you’re interested to volunteer for Liwanag at Dunong, reach out to us via hello@theonehourproject.com and we’ll be more than happy to connect you).
- Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum’s 4th Year to be held in Iloilo City, Philippines
Love means making everyone feel seen – This February 2026, Iloilo City Philippines is the proud host of the Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum (https://gmhan.org/advocacy-forum-2026). This year’s theme is “Reimagining Global Mental Health: No Voice Left Behind”, embodying how love in action makes sure everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
The Global Mental Health Forum is a community of advocates with more than 8,000 network members from 170 countries representing 6,000+ organisations and is the world’s leading network for global mental health advocacy.
Iloilo City in the Philippines was a deliberate, bold and meaningful choice as the city is known for its progressive approach to sustainability, climate action and mental health education in its schools. Deeply rooted in history with preserved heritage sites, the Philippines’ ‘City of Love’ is a perfect place to showcase the traditional and local approaches to power sharing, healing and community development with regard to the mental health agenda.
Currently over 2,100 global advocates, leaders and change makers have registered for the 2026 event with more than 500 attendees joining in person. The registration – and our hearts are full!
Love in action, practiced daily, even one hour at a time.
As February invites us to reflect on love, we return to a simple truth: love is not what we say we care about—it is what we consistently make time for.
At TOHP, love is commitment. It is building for others and for causes bigger than ourselves. And most of all, it is choosing action, one hour at a time.
As we move forward in 2026, may we continue to practice love—not perfectly, but faithfully—through the hours we give and the communities we serve.
