Around 30,000 join Alay-Lakad in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines – Around 30,000 individuals took part in the annual walk for a cause, more popularly known as the Alay-Lakad, intended to support the educational programs benefiting a number of underprivileged youths in Cebu City.

The funds raised from the tickets sold at P10 each reached P152,000 as of last night, the collection of payments is still ongoing.

The Alay-Lakad is initiated to assist out-of-school youth especially those living in the mountain barangays whose parents cannot support the expenses for their college studies. This year’s event bears the theme “Bridging the gap for a better future…  one step at a time”.

Proceeds will be allocated for basic programs such as skills training, livelihood programs, educational assistance and scholarship programs for individuals aged 10 to 28.

Last March at least 12 high school students graduated and were supported with educational assistance during their four-year schooling.

From 2010 until the present 68 individuals have availed of the skills training program while 13 availed of the livelihood programs.

Steve Norman Tan, the executive director of Alay-Lakad Cebu Foundation, Inc., said the organization is planning to initiate another program and expand their educational programs.

“We are trying to make a study of bringing another program which is focused on children’s rights and protection like anti-bullying,” he said, noting the initiative as part of the foundation’s mandate to protect the youth.

“There is really a need to be involved in those areas... as our target is to inform the children and let the children know on their rights since most of them may not be aware of their constitutional right,” he added.

Students from different public schools, colleges and state universities also showed their support by joining the early morning event.

The 45-minute walk started from General Maxilom Avenue then passed through Third Avenue, Sergio Osmeña Avenue, Legaspi Extension, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Magallanes Street and ended in Plaza Sugbo in front of City Hall.

Together with the Cebu City government, the event was supported by other agencies such as Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

For non-government organizations, the local counterparts of the Rotary Club International, Lions Club International and the Junior Chamber International also cooperated in supporting the charity event. —/BRP (FREEMAN)