Alay Lakad draws over 27T participants

CEBU, Philippines — Thousands have joined the annual Alay Lakad organized by the Lapu-Lapu City government yesterday morning.

City Hall employees, members of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, and the city’s fire department also joined the yearly event.

"We may have come from different walks of life but we share the same call, we stand for one mission and we believe in the same cause– that is to provide our youth, our out-of-school youth, in particular, a chance to reach their dream– the opportunity to finish their studies, " said Mayor Paz Radaza.

At least 27,399 individuals coming from 252 groups gathered yesterday in the annual walk.

Radaza said that aside from government employees, there were also delegates from the private sector who joined the noble cause to provide funds for the education of the youth.

Radaza said the city now has at least 40 Alay Lakad scholars, whose education was paid out of the funds from the Alay Lakad activities.

"This is your sacrifices of waking up early your monetary contributions are able to send 40 Alay Lakad scholars to various colleges and universities. Your contribution can sustain their educational requirements and allowances need for them to finish their schooling," Radaza said.

The activity started at 5 a.m. with at least three groups coming from different assembly points. The first group started walking from the street near General Milling Corporation (GMC), the second team from Barangay Pusok, and the last group started from Barangay Pajo. The three groups converged at the City Hall grounds.

The city government also awarded several groups during the event. Among those recognized was the Department of Education for giving the highest donation. Eleni Amor Tenchavez was also recognized for giving the highest amount of donation as an individual.

The most colorful delegation was the City Attorney's Office while the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office was the most disciplined. The biggest delegation came from the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Radaza said they have registered an increase in the participants this year compared to the 25,000 delegates last year. (FREEMAN)