Bacolod Alay Lakad nets P83-T from public schools
Bacolod City -- From every P5 contributed by the students from the public elementary and high schools, and P10 from the public schools teachers, the Department of Education of Bacolod City collected a total of P83,000 for this year's Alay Lakad.
DepEd was proclaimed the highest contributor for the yearly walk for a cause through the "bayanihan" system.
"Your P5 will go a long, long way in helping many of our less-privileged out of school youth," said Nelia Nemenzo, Alay Lakad 2007 Executive Committee Chair.
As of December 2, Alay Lakad has a total collection of P486,000. Nemenzo added that the theme "Lakad Bayan Para Sa Kaunlaran" underlines the collective and undying commitment of the Committee in building a strong, healthy and better republic."
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia thanked all those who contributed saying that "you are the people who are continuously giving us inspiration because every year as we hold the Alay Lakad, many of our less fortunate brothers are given the opportunity to better their lives."
Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson were recognized as Honorary Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of Alay Lakad, respectively.
One hundred nineteen out of school youth were sent to various vocational schools through the program. Melcah Gonzales, one of the scholars said that after the 2 and half months of cooking course she now knows how to cook some menus. She added that some of her classmates were already selling food for their livelihood.
The incoming Alay Lakad ExeCom Chair Kermith Uberas, Junior Chamber International, acknowledged those who have helped in one way or the other in the 35 years of Alay Lakad.
"For thirty-five years, more than a thousand footprints have trod the same path and left their marks," Uberas, said. This simple walk has changed my life with significance it has imparted to our poor out of school youths, he added.
Other city officials who joined the walk were Councilors Wilson C. Gamboa, Jr. and Celia Flor, Department of Interior & Local Government Director Ireneo Asuga, City Police Director PSSupt. Ronilo V. Quebrar, teachers, students, civic organizations, private sectors and individuals, government employees among others. (CMO/PIA)