Cock derby on May 8 to benefit kidney patients

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Cockfighting  aficionados are bonding  up for a winner-takes-all,  three-cock derby at the Shilan Sports Center, La Trinidad, Benguet on May 8 to muster funds to help kidney patients in Baguio-Benguet who are constantly being  pressed to source out funds for their life-time hemodialysis treatment sessions.

The event is in response to the pressing need to address the growing number of dialysis patients in the Cordillera, said sportsman  GilbertTanding who, together with other sports enthusiasts in Itogon, Benguet, is sponsoring  the  same.

Proceeds will go to a trust fund managed by four cock breeders who will  extend support  to indigent patients  by directly paying  one or two dialysis sessions of  the most needy.

The effort is being supported by lawyers Raul Molintas and Rene Cortes, Engr. Tony Boy Tabora, Eugene Martin, Badong Villanueva, Abe de Castro, Joeden Acay and Gil Sibayan.

Following the winner-takes-all format, pot money is pegged at P4,400. Minimum bet is at P4,400, with weight desired at 1.8 to 2.45 kgs. Submission of entries is on the date of the derby until 11 a.m.

“We have decided on this special derby to be able to reach out to the needy and at the same time strengthen unity among sportsmen,” Tanding said.

Earlier, the United Baguio-Benguet Breeders Association headed by Engr. Tabora announced it has set aside its share of P68,000 from the national “Bakbakan”  derby series  as support fund to members or their relatives who are currently undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure.

First to benefit was a 62-year old bet-taker who was given P5000 worth of medicines for managing  his heart and kidney ailments due to diabetes. – Ramon Dacawi.