Olongapenos’ Walk for A Cause

More than three thousand (3,000) participants from non-government organizations, government offices , business sector, schools and barangays marched from the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court to the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), Subic Bay Freeport Zone last October 11, 2009 to support the cause of Alay Lakad Foundation- Olongapo Chapter.

Led by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and Olongapo First Lady and Zambales Vice-Governor Anne Marie, participants started the 6 km-walk around 6:30 am and arrived at the SBECC around 10:am.

“I am very proud to be an Olongapeño. The bulk of people here today supporting the foundation’s noble cause prove that the Olongapeños, young or old, are compassionate and socially responsible people,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

After the walk, a succeeding program was held at the SBECC where First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie conveyed her appreciation to the foundation’s supporters. This year’s Executive Committee (Execom) headed by Abner Santos of the Lion’s Club also reported the P897,652.95 (P577,652.95 cash and P320,000.00 in-kind) donations raised by the foundation and awarded certificate of recognitions to outstanding participants:

Oldest Participant - Domingo Cruz, 83 years old

Youngest Participant - Nicole Uy, 3 years old

Biggest Delegation- Boy Scout of the Philippines-James L. Gordon Council

Most Disciplined Group - Olongapo City Skills Training Center

Most Colorful Group – Rotary Club Cluster 4-C

Highest Contributor (individual) – Lion Linda Lim, Peninsula Lions Club

Highest Contributor (group) – Olongapo City Elementary School

Earliest Contributor (individual) – Cesar Santiago

Earliest Contributor (group) – New Kalalake National High School

The ‘Lakad Para sa mga Kabataan’ or ‘Alay-Lakad is held yearly and supported by various NGOs , civic groups and government entities in the city to support the foundation’s underprivileged but deserving scholars.

The Alay-Lakad 2009 Parade led by Mayor Bong Gordon and Alay-Lakad scholars with other city and barangay officials. The parade took-off from the Rizal Triangle Covered Court and ended at Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) on October 11, 2009.

Pao/sara