MANILA, Philippines — Rain or shine, on lockdown or not, we’re walking for our scholars! For the first time ever, the ANCOP Global Walk (AGW) goes virtual and will target 5 billion steps over three months to help send underprivileged students and seminarians to school. This year, the AGW will also benefit ANCOP’s calamity services, which most recently have been assisting sectors most affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Yes, on its 10th year, the AGW gives people the chance to walk for ANCOP scholars despite ongoing community quarantines worldwide. How does it work? Beginning on September 6 until November 15, 2020, the 4th World Day of the Poor, AGW walkers can register for Php 300 (USD 6.50) and participate by pledging to walk a minimum of 5 kilometers (roughly 6,562 steps) during the 3-month period. To track the number of steps, walkers are encouraged to use pedometer mobile apps like Google Fit and Fitbit.
“We are confident that we can reach this goal… We just need to be creative about it,” said Jojo Solis, AGW 2020 Event Head, commenting on the collective goal of 5 billion steps. He added that since this year’s 3-month AGW will give enough time for AGW’s 50,000 regular walkers to encourage their families and friends to join.
For the past 9 years, the ANCOP Global Walk has attracted thousands of individuals, families, academic institutions, organizations, corporations, communities, government institutions, and even celebrities, to head out before dawn and walk 5 kilometers to support scholars—elementary, high school and college students from poor families—for a chance at a better life through education.
Through the years, CFC ANCOP Global Foundation Inc., the forerunner of the phenomenal walk for a cause, has sent 11,126 students through school, graduating 2,688 from college, some of whom topnotchers in their respective fields, hence making a difference in the lives of their families.
