Walk earns P700T

MORE out-of-school youth in Cebu City are expected to be given scholarship grants and skills and livelihood trainings following the success of yesterday’s 40th Alay Lakad or the annual walk for a cause.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu yesterday, the executive director of the Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. Steve Tan said yesterday’s activity was participated in by over 50,000 individuals that translated into P700,000 worth of funds that will help send poor youth to school.

The funds raised during yesterday’s activity surpassed the foundation’s collection last year, which was only P600,000. In 2010, the foundation was only able to collect P400,000.

The funds raised will be over and above the P1-million financial assistance from the City Government.

Donation

For every person who joins the annual walk for a cause, the Cebu City Government gives P6 as donation to the Alay Lakad Foundation. Each participant also donates P5.

Considering the consistent increase on the funds raised during the annual walk for a cause, Tan believes the activity continues to gain popularity and appeal to the hearts of the people who want to help provide education to out-of-school youths.

Cause

Each year, the Alay Lakad Foundation aims to help and send to school not less than 100 out-of-school youths in the city by holding the annual walk for a cause.

During yesterday’s activity, private companies, nongovernment organizations, government offices, students, universities and colleges, religious organizations and other sectors joined the annual walk for charity.

History

The Alay Lakad is a concept that started in Manila in 1972 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

It was then launched nationwide with the participation of more sectors, such as the civic clubs, non-government organizations and other government offices and agencies.

It was only in January 2009, however, that the Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. was launched.

Currently, the foundation offers high school educational assistance, college scholarships and technical skills training. It is open to all out-of-school youths in the city.