Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Margot apologizes to girl who saved 2
CHEVAUNE Julve will receive a citation in today’s National Disaster Consciousness Month culminating activity along with officials of four barangays recognized for their best practices against calamities.
Cebu City first lady Margot Osmeña will personally hand the certificate to her today after apologizing to Chevaune’s mother yesterday morning in behalf of her husband, Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
Preciosa Julve has complained that the mayor did not fulfill his promise to give her child a scholarship.
City Councilor Gerardo Carillo said Margot apologized to Chevaune’s mother Preciosa and told her that in her personal capacity, she will help Chevaune in her school material expenses.
“Ganiha buntag, we went there in Barangay Guadalupe, Margot and I. She expressed her apology for the misunderstanding for the seeming delay in the granting of a scholarship for Chevaune,” the councilor said.
Carillo said they explained to Preciosa that the scholarship, particularly from the Alay Lakad Foundation, is only for high school and college students, so Chevaune may avail of it years from now.
“Ang pagsabot sa parents nga karon dayon (Her parents thought the scholarship will be awarded to her right away),” he said.
In June 2007, the Cebu City Council praised then five-year-old Chevaune‘s bravery and act of heroism. She demonstrated bravery when a fire hit her aunt’s house in Barangay Guadalupe.
Knee-jerk
Without anyone’s help, Chevaune pulled out her four-year-old brother and three-year-old cousin from the burning house shortly after she arrived from her kindergarten class.
Yesterday, Carillo said the award on Chevaune is not a knee-jerk reaction after Preciosa complained. She had already been identified and recommended by his office, along with the four barangays, for the award from the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council.
Social worker Joy Quipit also told Sun.Star Cebu that the City’s Department of Social Welfare Services immediately attended to Julve’s family after the fire.
It is not true, she said, that the City Government did not help the Julves, whom Osmeña said should have simply approached and reminded him of his promise.
Chevaune will be formally honored “for her act of heroism.”
Also, Carillo announced that the Cebu City Government will likewise be recognized for having the best city disaster council in the region, and second best nationwide.
The Kalasag award went to Olongapo City, with Cebu City settling for the runner-up honors the first time it joined the search.
Carillo said Barangays Basak Pardo and Pahina Central will also be recognized for having the most active disaster brigades in their respective districts, while Barangay Sto. Niño was chosen for its barangay fire brigade.
Pahina San Nicolas, on the other hand, has earned the distinction of being a “dengue-free barangay.” (RHM)
