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| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Information Office) |
With the aim of providing inspiration and opportunities to the youth, especially the "out-of-school youth", the Provincial Government of Batangas and Batangas Province Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. (ALFI), together with other government agencies, private offices and civil-society groups, organized the 48th Alay Lakad with the theme "Continue The Walk For Youth" last November 29, 2023 from the Provincial Community Park in Kumintang Ibaba to Regina R. Mandanas DREAM Zone at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Batangas City. This year's edition marked the return of Alay Lakad in the province which was last conducted in 2019 and after its long hiatus due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening program of the event featured remarks from P/Lt. Col. Jesrel Calderon representing Philippine National Police (PNP) Batangas Provincial Director and Alay Lakad 2023 Walk Committee Chairperson P/Col. Samson B. Belmonte and Batangas ALFI President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo as well as a tribute to the contributors for this year's event led by the Batangas ALFI Treasurer Thelma R. Panganiban. The management of Batangas ALFI, with Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas as honorary chairperson, wholeheartedly thanked all those who participated and contributed to this year's Alay Lakad with the aim of raising funds that can be used for the scholarship program benefitting deserving out-of-school youth throughout the province. This year's Alay Lakad raised a total amount of Php1,769,087 from the provincial government, schools and universities in the province, various other national government agencies, local government units, civic organizations, private companies, suppliers and private individuals.
Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Hon. Congressman Ray T. Reyes, who was the event's Guest Speaker, said that the restoration of Alay Lakad after being shelved for several years because of the pandemic is a big challenge and reminded us to continue caring for the youth and promoting their welfare because not only the future of Batangas and of the Philippines depends on the youth. At the end of the program, the Provincial Government of Batangas was honored and named the Biggest Delegation while the Department of Education (DepEd)-Batangas got the Biggest Contribution Award with Ms. Lovelie Mae R. Magnaye receiving a Plaque of Recognition and a Gift Certificate worth Php2,000 for the said agency. Batangas State University (BatStateU) Alangilan Dance Varsity, on the other hand, showcased its dancing prowess in their performance centered on the proud Kapeng Barako of the Batangueños.
Gracing the occasion and showing their wholehearted support for Alay Lakad 2023 and its cause started by Batangas ALFI are Provincial Information Office (PIO) Head and Chief of Staff Ma. Isabel Bejasa, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Head Florita C. Lachica, Provincial School Board (PSB) Head Gina Ferriols, 5th District Senior Board Member Claudette Ambida, Mataas na Kahoy Vice Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan, and other officials and staff of the Capitol and national government agencies.
