Each Alay Lakad scholar applicant will be home visited by the Alay Lakad Executive Committee to verify their economic status and to know their family’s circumstances as part of the scholarship’s screening process. (Photo courtesy of San Jose Municipal Information Office)
SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The 2023 Alay Lakad in the municipality of San Jose hit an all-time highest collection of P1,523,479.90 since its inception in the province in 1993.
According to San Jose municipal mayor Rey C. Ladaga, the donations can help 100 students from the municipality finish their college studies.
The collection comprises donations from 650 individuals and different sectors, namely private institutions, schools, and organizations, including government agencies and offices in Occidental Mindoro.
The walk for a cause has been part of the municipality’s yearly activity but was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a three-year hiatus, a total of 218 participants marched from the Provincial Sports Complex to the San Jose municipal town plaza during the Alay Lakad 2023 on October 1, 2023.
Alice Cajayon of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) explained that the money will be allotted to send “poor but deserving students” to college.
This includes out-of-school youths and students who are currently enrolled ages 17-25 years old with a general weighted average (GWA) of 85% or higher, with no grade below 80% on any subject.
Since 1994, the Alay Lakad Scholarship has provided financial assistance to 245 students; the majority of whom are now professionals, Cajayon underscored.
Ernesto Camposano Jr., one of the Alay Lakad scholars from Brgy, Caminawit, shared that he was able to finish college through the scholarship and is now a registered social worker who currently works under MSWDO.
“[Nakita] po ng MSWDO na walang kakayahan ang Mama ko [dahil solo parent siya]…Ako ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral dahil sa Alay-Lakad scholarship. Ngayon, nakakatulong na ako sa aking pamilya, [lalo para] sa gamot ng Mama ko,” Camposano Jr. said.
Currently, there are 30 applicants for the Alay Lakad scholarship. Applicants will go through the Alay Lakad Executive Committee and the MSWDO’s assessment to verify their overall situations and determine appropriate interventions for the applicants.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit MSWDO to apply until November 17. (DSG/PIA Mimaropa – Occidental Mindoro)
