Bañamos Walk For A Cause

By: David Michael Lopez, ASP Laguna Chapter

It was a bright and sunny Monday morning when the Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter attended the yearly activity in Los Baños-the “Walk for a Cause.” More than 150 government agencies, academic institutions, and business firms from fourteen different barangays in Los Baños volunteered in the walk as they lifted tarpaulins and wore respective uniforms.

ASP Laguna family

Taking a walk from Trace College to the Municipal Covered Court was fun. Traffic was diverted as vehicles headed to their respective places while group of institutions were heading on the way to Barangay Baybayin to attend a short program. This event was reminiscent to the one we did last March 15 in celebration of National Women’s Month where it aimed to raise funds for women who have breast cancer. Compared to the previous Bañamos activities starting in the year 2002, there were fun-filled games, pageants, and activities that brought color and flavor to local and foreign tourists. They comprise of Himigsikan, Miss Los Baños, and Bayle Sa Kalye, among many others.

This year’s Bañamos was different because it paid tribute to the victims who were affected by the recent Habagat tragedy that took place in early August. Barangays Tadlac, Bayog, Malinta, and Mayondon are the worst-affected areas where residents live in tent cities these days.

A short program took place after taking an hour-long walk which ended at the Municipal Covered Court from Trace College. We watched a presentation that featured images of Los Baños residents living in evacuation centers as a group of volunteers donated canned goods, foods, and other materials to Habagat victims.

Government officials comprising of Calamba City Mayor Joaquin Chipeco, Mayor Anthony ‘Ton’ Genuino, and Vice Mayor Josephine Evangelista from Los Baños delivered speeches to acknowledge people for pledging donations and helping victims normalize their lives. Mayor Ton declared in his short speech that the activities for this year’s Bañamos will be moved for the meantime from mid-September to December in celebration of the Christmas season. More than 20 institutions were given certificates before a short dance number was showcased by a group of students.

In terms of donations, more than Php 100,000 was collected by different institutions and agencies based in Los Baños. The celebration ended with a Holy Mass and the Sky Lantern Festival.

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