CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - For more than a decade now, the Alay Lakad Foundation continues to send hundreds of marginalized but deserving out-of-school youths (OSYs) to school through its annual walk for a cause.
The foundation, together with the City Government of San Fernando, will once again host this year's Alay Lakad in an aim to provide financial assistance for the education of OSYs.
According to Alay Lakad Foundation President Ruben Sy, the foundation now caters to around 900 scholars in different state universities and colleges.
While the law on free education on all public colleges and state universities is now pending in the Senate, Sy said the organization is now focused on providing allowances to their beneficiaries.
He said that the foundation will allot P1,500 per month to each scholar to sustain their other needs, including their meals and transportation.
"Sa P10 o P5 na mula sa puso, isama na po natin iyong mga kasama natin na nakakariwasa sa buhay. Kaunting tulong po pero malaki at marami na tayong mapapaaral na mga kabataan na hirap sa buhay pero gustong makatapos," he said.
Since 1992, Sy said that the foundation was able to produce hundreds of professionals, mostly serving the public through either government offices or in the education sector.
He noted that the foundation ensures that only deserving students will benefit from their program through an assessment program conducted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
"Sa mga gustong maging scholar, kami ay nag-a-announce sa mga bara-barangay kapag naipasa nila 'yung assessment ng CSWDO, wala na pong problema kasi hangga't maaari pinipili po namin 'yung talagang hirap pero gustong mag-aral," he said.
Alay Lakad 2017
This year's Alay Lakad activity is set on November 24, at 6 a.m.
Aside from the usual convergence points in Del Pilar, Dolores junction and Capitol grounds, the foundation has set a new one in the old GSIS building in Barangay Juliana to cater to more participants.
Alay Lakad 2017 chairman Enrique David said that he is hoping to raise at least P500,000 this year through the activity.
He urged Fernandinos, particularly businessmen, to donate either in cash or in kind to help the needy scholars.
"Kung mas marami po tayong mailikom, mas marami po tayong matutulungan ma bata. Kaya sana tulong-tulong po tayo," he said.
