CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials have confirmed that a son of a well-known socio-civic leader, medical practitioner and councilor aspirant is dead in Haiti quake.
Jerome Yap, son of this city's multi-sectoral governance council representative Doctor Leticia Yap, was found beneath the rubbles of a collapsed building in Haiti.
The Carribean country has been hit by intensity 7.0 earthquake last week that sent many of its buildings and infrastructure to the ground.
Yap is reportedly with the staff of the DFA there and on a mission with the United Nations (UN).
Yap's mother has since begged off from interviews following reports that her son was among the Filipinos missing in the aftermath of the quake.
Last Tuesday morning, Undersecretary Ed Malaya of the DFA confirmed Jerome's death as rescuers sifting through the rubbles found him.
Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, a close colleague of his mom, the death of Jerome is a big loss.
"Lubha tayong nalulungkot lahat. Alam naman ninyo na malapit si Kumareng Letty Yap sa atin at hindi siya ordinaryong mamayan. Practically, binibigay niya ang sarili niya sa pagsisilbi sa bayan at siyudad. Iyung anak niyang namatay, sa oras ng kanyang kamatayan ay ginagawa ang kanyang obligasyon bilang isang opisyal ng DFA na assigned sa UN at representing the Philippines," he said.
He added, "Ang kanyang [Jerome] buhay ay pagpapakasakit din since he serves in one of the world's poorest countries. We were hoping then na buhay siya until it was confirmed to us this morning. Masakit sa atin iyan."
Rodriguez said he would make a move to have a posthumous award given to Jerome.
Councilor Alex Patio echoed Rodriguez's sentiments and said that the recognition will be given during the Ten Outstanding Fernandino Awards ceremonies. (JTD)