From Mountains to the Classrooms : A DHT Hike for a Cause Journey

Some hikes challenge your endurance, others test your patience, but then there are those that reach deeper, testing your heart.  For the past nine months, DayHike Therapist (DHT) has been leading Hike for a Cause—not just for the love of the outdoors but to give back to communities in need. Since July 2024, we’ve walked with a purpose, completing 12 hikes across Cebu, with our final hike taking place at Mt. Naupa on March 16. Before this, DHT completed three projects for a school in Kalangyawon, Carcar, and this time, we chose a new beneficiary—the Kindergarten School of Barangay Cambangkaya, Catmon. And on March 23, we made it happen.  Through our day hikes, each participant contributed a ₱300 registration fee, and with the support of 299 amazing joiners and two generous donors, we raised a total of ₱116,637.43. These funds went toward much-needed classroom renovation materials for the kindergarten students. But this wasn’t just about handing over materials—it was about showing up, sharing kindness, and making a real difference. # The Journey to Cambangkaya We started early, meeting in Binongkalan, Catmon, at the home of one of our DHT core members. There, we packed prizes, loot bags, and school supplies before heading out. The first part of the journey was a 20-kilometer ride in a Bongo truck, followed by a 2-kilometer trek to reach Barangay Cambangkaya, located near the trails of Mt. Kapayas, also known as Torre Peak. Getting to the Barangay wasn’t that easy. We passed steep cliffs, crossed a creek, and finally arrived at Sitio Quatro, where the kindergarten classroom was located. One of the biggest challenges of this project was logistics—the barangay is difficult to reach, and transporting materials was no simple task. To prepare for the event, we camped overnight on March 22, making sure everything was set for the big day. # A Day Full of Smiles and Surprises The next morning, we got straight to work—cooking for the feeding program, setting up prizes, and organizing the school supplies.  By 10:30 AM, the children arrived with their parents, we were also greeted warmly by barangay officials. Meeting Teacher Roquesa and seeing the kids’ excited faces made all the effort worth it.  Since this was DHT’s first project in Cambangkaya, we wanted to make the day special. We prepared classic Filipino games like Pukpok Palayok and Pabitin, turning the classroom into a place full of fun and laughter. The kids played with so much energy, running around and cheering for their prizes.  Each child received a backpack filled with school supplies, and we also handed out slippers to all 25 students, plus a few extra pairs for the parents and locals. We also used part of the funds to buy an electric fan, which will soon be installed in the classroom to provide relief during hot days. The highlight of the day was the feeding program. As the kids ate, played with bubbles, and excitedly explored their new school supplies, it was clear that these little things meant so much to them. Some kids immediately wore their new slippers, proudly showing them off, while others hugged their backpacks like prized possessions. Their happiness was simple, pure, and heartwarming.    # To all the Hikers who supported DHT — You Made This Possible To every hiker who joined DHT, to those who donated and supported this cause—this was all because of you. The classroom will not just be a learning space; it will be a place where kids will dream, grow, and create brighter futures for themselves. And for years to come, it will stand as proof of what we can accomplish when we come together for a good cause.  # This is why we hike. # One Day Hike at a Time. If you’re interested in joining DayHike Therapist’s future advocacies or collaborating with them for donations or events, visit their [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/share/18V4g8QDa1/) for more details. Together, we can continue making a difference—one step at a time, or should I say, one day hike at a time.  ---- DHT is a nonprofit NGO established in 2017. Run entirely by volunteers, the group has organized multiple projects over the years, using day hikes as a way to give back to communities in need. ----