In time of Valentine celebration, around 600 individuals participated in the province-wide “Taray ni Ayat” (Run for Love) fun run activity at the Robinsons Place Ilocos, San Nicolas, last February 15.
Started in 2016, the annual “Taray ni Ayat” is a co-organized activity of the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO), Sangguniang Kabataan–Ilocos Norte, and Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA) to raise additional fund for youth development programs in the province.
Among the avid participant of “Taray ni Ayat” is the 25-year-old Jennifer Ramos who actively joins almost all youth activities hosted by INYDO and SIKA.
“From 2016 to 2020, I completed the ‘Taray ni Ayat’ including the ‘TEENaray: Barkada Run’ in 2017 to help the displaced children in Marawi City,” Ramos said.
“Habang tumatagal, mas nagiging exciting ang fun run. Bawat taon may iba’t-ibang pakulo mas lalo na at natataon talaga sa Valentine celebration. Kaya nage-enjoy kami,” she continued.
Ramos also recounted her 5-year “Taray ni Ayat” experience saying that it helped her open multiple opportunities that contributed to her personal transformation.
“I gained friends and memories. I become aware of my social responsibility as a youth. Kaya kapag may free time, nagvo-volunteer rin ako sa mga youth activities ng ating probinsya gaya ng Christmas gift-giving at mga barangay orientation para mahikayat ang mga kabataan na sumali sa mga youth organizations.”
In 2016 and 2017, Ramos was a former Sirib Young Leaders scholar of the Provincial Government and the Vice Chairman of SIKA-Laoag City, respectively.
“Sana tumagal pa itong ‘Taray ni Ayat’ kasi hindi lang ito pang-entertainment or for recreation activities. Isa rin itong paraan upang makalikom tayo ng pondo para makatulong tayo sa mga kapwa kabataan natin dito sa Ilocos Norte,” she added.
Furthermore, Richard Bulong Agustin Jr., SIKA President-elect, said that the popularity of “Taray ni Ayat” has reached the neighboring provinces such as Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and Tarlac City where several participants also joined.
“We are targeting the maximum involvement and participation of youth in nation-building. Sabi nga ni Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc noon na mapagmahal at mahilig ang mga kabataan sa mga ganitong activity [fun run] kaya talagang dinudumog ang ‘Taray ni Ayat,” Agustin ended.—Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO
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