“Run for Jack” raises P200T

CEBU, Philippines - Yesterday morning’s benefit fun run organized by the Cebu City government to help former councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem raised at least P200,000.

Dubbed the “Run For Jack,” the activity was dedicated to Jakosalem, the former chairman of Cebu City Traffic Operations Management who is recovering from a serious illness.

It was also supported by the Cebu City Sports Commission and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

Jakosalem fell ill and underwent head surgery late last year shortly after filing his candidacy for the City Council.

His wife, Sharon, said her husband’s health is slowly improving, hoping that the healing to go faster in order for Jack to go back to his normal life.

After finishing the run with son Sebastian, Sharon expressed gratitude to the city government as well as those who helped lighten their family’s ordeal.

“I am very thankful to the city government and the council, especially to Councilor Richie Osmeña for sponsoring the resolution organizing this fun run for my husband. This is my very first run that I completed. Thank you to everybody who came. I know it’s very hard to wake up this early. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much,” she said.

She said that the night before gracing the run, she attended a benefit concert organized by Y101 FM station where Jack worked as a disc jockey.

“I was there to personally thank the people who supported my husband. There were a lot who came. And I want to thank them as well. I did not finish the event as I had to prepare for this morning’s run,” Sharon said.

She added that while Jack is already at their house undergoing therapy, they still have unpaid hospital bills from previous admissions.

According to CCSC chairperson Edward Hayco, an estimated 2,000 people joined the run, formed through a resolution authored by Councilor Richie Osmena and approved by the council in mass motion.

City officials belonging to different parties set aside politics and joined hands in wishing the former colleague his speedy recovery.

Aside from Councilor Richie Osmeña, who announced the amount raised, also attended the event were Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, and Councilors Margot Osmeña, Nestor Archival, Gerry Carillo, Jun Gabuya, Noel Wenceslao, James Cuenco and Mary Ann Delos Santos.

Some department heads also joined the run.

The route, which started and ended at the Cebu City Sports Center, covered Osmeña Boulevard to the Provincial Capitol with CITOM and police personnel scattered at every corner.

CITOM executive director Rafael Christopher Yap said the event was successful. — /LPM (FREEMAN)