CH to hold fundraising for Jack

CEBU, Philippines - Recognizing his contribution to public service, the Cebu City council yesterday passed a resolution initiating a fun run to raise funds for the continuing medication of former city councilor Jack Jakosalem.

The fun run, dubbed as "Run for Jack", is scheduled on August 25 at the South Road Properties (SRP). The resolution was authored by Councilor Richie Osmeña.

"This special marathon is dedicated to our esteemed colleague who has portrayed a remarkable role in his term as Cebu City Councilor and by way of financial help for his continuous recovery," the resolution read.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama expressed delight upon learning that the council, whose majority members belong to the rival Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, moved to organize the fund raising activity for a candidate of  Team Rama during the last midterm elections.

Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos, during yesterday's session, suggested that all city hall employees be required to attend the benefit fun run.

Rama wanted to clarify if the council members will be attending their initiated activity.

"Are they joining? Basin magbuhat-buhat silag resolution unya dili sila muadto. I enjoin them to attend this city initiated fun run," the mayor told reporters.

He added that while Jakosalem belongs to a well to do family, the expenses for his medication could be a burden.

"Walay maayong laki anang iyang kahimtang. The expense that they are going through, di lalim," Rama said.

The mayor initially intended to visit Jakosalem at Chong Hua Hospital before going to his Japan trip but his schedule did not permit him to do so.

"I tried to visit him before my trip. I hope to visit him within the week," he said.

Moreover, Rama revealed that the city government, through the City Hospitalization Medical Assistance Program (CHAMP), is preparing the financial assistance for Jakosalem.

The former councilor, who resigned as CITOM chairman when he filed his candidacy aiming for a council comeback, is on continuing medication as part of recovery after undergoing a head surgery last year to remove parasites from his brain due to neurocysticercosis, a parasite infection from pork tapeworm. —  (FREEMAN)