Alay Lakad Foundation urges Cebuano to join

CEBU, Philippines – For the future of at least 250 youth whose parents can not afford to send them to school, the three-decade old Alay Lakad is calling all Cebuanos to participate in tomorrow's walk for a cause and take part in providing education to socially underprivileged and disadvantaged youth in Cebu.

The event will start at 6 a.m. from two assembly areas going to Cebu City Sports Center where different entertainment shows await those who will attend.

The assembly area for participants from the military, government, civic non-government groups, barangay, business sectors and other sectors will be in Plaza Independencia.

Participants from the Philippine National Police, provincial government, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, public and private schools will assemble at Fuente Osmeña.

Registration fee is P5 and from which the Alay Lakad Cebu Foundation, Inc. is targeting to raise at least P1.5 million from 80,000 to 100,000 participants. Proceeds shall benefit atleast 250 students.

Last year, the foundation was able to raise around P700,000 from donations and raffle sales. Some P500,000 of which were spent for education assistance of the 200 beneficiaries from the month of January up to yesterday.

"If we raise more money, we can send more children to school. We are only targeting at least P1.5 million for 250 beneficiaries but we would wish to help more," said Steve N. M. Tan, executive director of the Alay Lakad Cebu Foundation Inc.

Last year, the foundation provided free skills training to 110 out of school youth (OSYs) while another 70 to 80 slots will be available for this year. Screening for another batch of skills trainees starts next month.

Aside from those who apply to their office for scholarship, the foundation is also going to barangays and asking help from officials to help them identify those who genuinely need assistance. They are then screening the given list through individual and family visits.

More than 100 police and traffic personnel will be deployed along the route to ensure security of participants. (FREEMAN)