Tom congratulates ex-street kids who persevered in school

Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday congratulated 270 former street kids, 90 college and 180 high school students, who graduated this school year.

The said students are former street kids supervised by the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children, under the Office of the City Mayor, chaired by Osmeña’s wife, Margot.

“Some of the students received honors, naa’y nanga-valedictorian,” Osmeña announced during his press conference yesterday.

Also, he congratulated Emmarith “Matet” Balili who was conferred a bachelor’s degree in education at the Cebu Normal University last March 28, this year.

Balili, while not a street kid, was a recipient of the Outstanding Individuals Award during the 67th Charter Day of Cebu City.

It was learned that Balili was still in high school when she “scolded” Osmeña for his alleged lack of concern on the situation of her school.

She became recipient of the Mayor’s Special Award during the city’s Charter day for that act of courage in confronting Osmeña without being rude.

Following said scolding incident, Dr. Pek Eng Lim of the Chong Hua Hospital volunteered to give Balili a scholarship in college.

Osmeña said Balili had already sent him and his wife a thank-you letter for her having finished her college education.  — Junel Joe Gato, CNU intern/MEEV