RAFI's 'KKK' kicks off Saturday

CEBU, Philippines – Now on its second year, "Kabataan, Kultura, ug Kabilin" (KKK) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) will kick off on August 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Dr. Jocelyn B. Gerra, RAFI's executive director, said that the main objective of the program is to promote heritage awareness to the youth, as she emphasized the importance of preserving Cebu's culture and history.

"This would bring and actualize group experience of a teacher and student activity," said Gerra.

Carolinian Sociological-Anthropological Society's (CARSAS) president April Ann Castro said that some 600 students coming from different universities in Cebu are expected to join the event. Last year, only 350 students joined the activity.

Castro said the students will serve as volunteers and tour guides of the out-of-school youths from barangays San Roque, Sto. Niño, Parian, Tinago, T. Padilla, and Tejero.

RAFI's collections and exhibitions officer Karl Hegel Damayo said that KKK will feature museums in Cebu such as Casa Gorordo Museum on Lopez Jaena Street, Basilica del Santo Niño Museum and Cebu Cathedral Museum both in P. Burgos Street, Fort San Pedro in Plaza Independencia, Museo Sugbo on M.J. Cuenco Street, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House in corner Lopez Jaena and Mabini Streets, University of Southern Philippines-Rizal Museum on Burgos Street, and the 1730 Jesuit House on Zulueta Street.

Damayo said that bus and tartanilla rides, which cost P25, will be offered for the participants to travel in between these venues.

For safety and security measures, Senior Insp. Sandley Sabang of Cebu City Tourist Police pointed out that a policeman will be assigned in the different routes. They have also coordinated with the City Traffic Operations Management and tanods of the participating barangays.

Gerra stressed that T. Padilla will still be joining even if the barangay was hit by fire recently.

"I have talked with the barangay captain and he said they will still be participating. I told him that we are willing to help the barangay," said Gerra.

The KKK is in collaboration with the University of San Carlos-Department of Sociology and Anthropology. (THE FREEMAN)