IN LINE with their first fund raising event for Team Lakay, a realty firm reassured its commitment in helping grassroots in the region particularly combative sports where most Cordillerans excel.
Suntrust Properties Inc. president Harrison Paltongan on Wednesday, June 7, said he believes encouraging the youth to engage in various sports discipline including mixed martial arts would lead them away from drugs, smoking, drinking, and other vices which are getting more prevalent in the highlands.
Paltongan on Wednesday turned over to Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao and ONE Championship lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang a cheque amounting to P567,718.50 as proceeds from the gold tournament held during the weekend at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club.
“Our support is not only for Team Lakay but to all those athletes which serves as role models for the Cordillera youth and help them veer away from bad vices,” said Paltongan.
Some 80 parbusters and Suntrust associates supported the one-day golf-for-a-cause tournament which aims to help the group purchase new equipments and renovation of their gym.
“I had personally seen how they had grown from a mere local legends become famous faces in the international MMA scene, and I hope this amount will help them improve their training facility, and become and inspiration and model to the younger generations of Cordillerans,” said Paltongan.
In response, Folayang said, “Nakakataba ng puso at tayo mismong taga-Cordillera ang nagtutulungan.”
Sangiao added the fund will support not only Cordillerans but the local MMA scene.
“As a native of the Cordillera region myself, I fully support the endeavor for the youth of the Cordilleras especially those involving education and sports,” Paltongan shared.
Other Team Lakay members who were present during the turnover were Joshua Pacio, Geje Eustaquio, Honorio Banario, Gina Iniong, Danny Kingad, Joemar Pa-ac, and Jeremy Pacatiw.
Prior to the golf tournament, Paltongan said Folayang was invited to deliver a speech in a Suntrust event, in which he was moved by the MMA champion’s story. (with a report from Larry Fabian)