Manila – The 48th Alay Lakad event in Batangas City on Wednesday successfully raised PHP1.119 million, with the participation of 3,000 individuals from various sectors. This fundraising walk, aimed at supporting the education of out-of-school youth in the province, drew contributions from both private and public entities, as announced by the provincial government on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Significant donations came from a wide array of organizations, including the Department of Education-Batangas, Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, National Food Authority, Government Service Insurance System, Commission on Audit, municipal government of Agoncillo, city government of Sto. Tomas, Batangas State University, University of Batangas, SM City Batangas, and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company.
A substantial contribution of PHP300,000 was made by Mataas na Kahoy town Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan, president of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines-Batangas Chapter. Additionally, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas augmented the funds with a PHP500,000 donation from the provincial government.
Governor Mandanas emphasized the significance of the event, stating it symbolizes the province’s unity in supporting the youth, particularly those not enrolled in formal education. He proudly noted that the provincial government currently supports over 45,000 scholars with an annual academic assistance budget exceeding PHP400 million, the highest educational budget among all Philippine provinces.
Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, president of the Batangas Province Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc. (BPALF), highlighted the theme of this year’s Alay Lakad, ‘Ituloy ang Lakad para sa Kabataan,’ reflecting the collaborative efforts to secure a brighter future for the youth. He outlined that the foundation’s programs encompass scholarships, skills training, and leadership training, underscoring the belief that investing in youth has lasting benefits. The funds raised will assist those youths who lack the financial means to continue their education and support the training initiatives of the foundation.