Alay Lakad 2016

Yes, Mabuhay

Congratulations to SDG/PP Frank Evaristo, as President of Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc. (ALFI) on another ± 1,000,000 “Walk for Out of School Youth” on the 44th year anniversary of this noble NFP. The President of the Philippines serves as the honorary chairman of the foundation, reminding us all of its importance.

Approximately 500,000 participants assembled at 5:00 a.m. and started walking by Quirino Grandstand at 5:30! An unknown number, but estimated additional 300,000, were participating in parallel walks in their communities nation-wide. These traditional walks are organized by Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with different government agencies, civic and non-governmental organizations, to support and finance ALFI’s socioeconomic projects for the country’s out-of-school youth (aged 17 to 24 drop-outs).

The lead sponsors are the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who made the largest contribution of ± 280,000, Federation of Chinese Chamber of Commerce led by Mr. Gerry Ng, Rotary District 3810, Philippines Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, JCI’s, Philippine Red Cross, YMCA & YWCA, and founding sponsors, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Rotary has the honor of leading the walk after the Color Guards and Honor Band of the Philippines Navy.

RCM was represented by SDG/PP “Frank” Evaristo, President, Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc., Pres. “Teddy” Ocampo, IPP “Ebot” Tan, Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, STAR Rtn. “Dong-Dong” Benedicto, Co-Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, Spouse “Marilou” Benedicto, Ms. Annalie Garcia, SAA “Lance” Masters, PP Francis Juico, COS/PP Cesar Ubaldo, IPD Oscar del Rosario, RCM-sponsored Rotaract Club of Manila led by Pres. Katherine Kristine Reyes, and Rotaract Club of De La Salle University Manila led by Pres. Abigail Sarmiento. A special thank you to SDG/PP “Frank” Evaristo, Dir. “Albert” Alday and STAR Rotarian Dong Benedicto for contributing the theme polo shirts this year.

Alay Lakad President Frank received a check for P75,000 from District 3810 Governor Ernesto “Ernest” Yuyek, contributed by the more than seventy Rotary Clubs from our District that participated in the walk.

Following the walk, participating RCMer’s were treated to a full breakfast at the historic and ever-elegant Manila Hotel, courtesy of our very own Rotarian Ricky Yap, Executive Vice-President of the hotel. Thank you, Ricky!

There is a special comradery attained through gathering so early in the morning for such a purpose. The fellowship is a rewarding part of coming together to help these “at-risk” youth, who otherwise might fall into even deeper poverty, or lives of crime. The money raised goes to direct educational support with scholarships, and micro-loans for livelihood projects. At-risk youth who gain dignity and hope through Alay Lakad’s programs become responsible citizens. Rotary is proud to support these efforts, all of which are harmonious with the aims of Rotary.

DCOS/SDG/Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee (middle) with IPP “Ebot” Tan and IPD “Oscar” Del Rosario holding the RCM Banner for the 44th year of Alay Lakad 2016 annual walk-for-a-cause benefitting the marginalized youth sector of society.

Pres. “Teddy” Ocampo, IPP “Ebot” Tan, DCOS/SDG/Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, SAA “Lance” Masters, IPD “Oscar” Del Rosario together with RCM-sponsored Rotaract Club of Manila queuing-up for the fund-raising walk.

RCMers’ start walking towards the Luneta Quirino Grandstand for the program proper. From left-right: Ann “Marilou” Benedicto, STAR Rtn. “Dong-Dong” Benedicto, Co-Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, DCOS/SDG/Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, Pres. “Teddy” Ocampo, IPD “Oscar” Del Rosario, Manila Rotaractor JM Cuales, IPP “Ebot” Tan, and SAA “Lance” Masters.

RCMers’ Pres. “Teddy” Ocampo, IPP “Ebot” Tan, DCOS/SDG/Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, SAA “Lance” Masters, IPD “Oscar” Del Rosario, PP Cesar Ubaldo, STAR Rtn. “Dong-Dong” Benedicto, Co-Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, Ann “Marilou” Benedicto, together with RCM-sponsored Rotaract Club of Manila led by Pres. “KK” Reyes and Rotaract Club of De La Salle University Manila led by Pres. “Abigail” Sarmiento.

RCMers’ are all-smiles after the walk-for-a-cause, an annual worthy project, from left: STAR Rtn. “Dong-Dong” Benedicto, Co-Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, IPP “Ebot” Tan, SDG/PP “Frank” Evaristo, President, Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc., Pres. “Teddy” Ocampo, and DCOS/SDG/Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee.

Breakfast at Roma Salon, Manila Hotel through the courtesy of Rotarian Enrique Y. “Rickie” Yap, Jr., Executive Vice President, Manila Hotel. Standing from left-right: DCOS/SDG/Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, IPD “Oscar” Del Rosario, Ms. Annalie Garcia, PP “Francis” Juico, IPP “Ebot” Tan, and Pres. “Teddy” Ocampo. Seated from left-right: SDG/PP “Frank” Evaristo, President, Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc., SAA “Lance” Masters, Ann “Marilou” Benedicto, and STAR Rtn. “Dong-Dong” Benedicto, Co-Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee.

AFP Donates to Alay Lakad

AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya represented by Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, handover facsimile check of P280,000 to Frank Evaristo (3rd from left, President, Alay Lakad Foundation, Inc.; Past President, Rotary Club of Manila) during the 44th annual walk-for-a-cause for the benefit of out-of-school youth, the funds to be used to finance their projects, in consonance with this year’s theme: “Alay Lakad May Pag-Asa Ang Kabataan.” The annual walk-for-a-cause was participated by more than 200,000 participants, on hand to give their donations which totaled P600,000. Joining the handover ceremony from left: SDG/PP Frank Evaristo, Sen. Koko Pimentel, Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, Jeffrey Ng of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vice President John Siy of Lions Club.

Among Rotarians and Spouse who participated from Rotary Club of Manila were Pres. “Teddy” Ocampo, IPP “Ebot” Tan, Dir. “Albert” Alday, Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, STAR Rtn. “Dong-Dong” Benedicto, Co-Chairman, Alay Lakad Committee, Spouse “Marilou” Benedicto, SAA “Lance” Masters, PP Francis Juico, PP Cesar Ubaldo, and IPD Oscar del Rosario.

Pres. of Alay Lakad Frank Evaristo delivers his speech.

Pres. Frank and Sen. Koko with the Girl Scouts of the Phils.

Senator Koko Pimentel in an interview with various media tv stations.

Alay Lakad students out of school youth beneficiaries.

Students from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) joined alay lakad for a cause last Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the Luneta Grandstand with Senate Pres. Koko Pimentel as guest speaker