Jonas feeds kids on B-Day

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday decided to forgo his usual birthday party at his residence and instead used the budget intended for it to finance the feeding of some 1,000 indigent children in barangay Paknaan.

Some 1,000 indigent-children from sitio Calamansi in barangay Paknaan were fed and given slippers.

The beneficiaries were chosen by the Barangay Development Council in coordination with barangay Paknaan captain Oscar Mendoza.

When asked what his birthday wish was on his 44th birthday celebration, Cortes said he wished that God will grant him more blessings and years to be able to continue serving the people.

City hall employees led by department heads paid a courtesy call to the mayor and greeted him.

Other departments and government agencies including police officers led by Mandaue City Police Director Noel Gillamac and some 50 principals of public elementary and high schools in Mandaue led by Supt. Virginia Zapanta also paid a call to the mayor.

Officers of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) led by its president Eric Mendoza also greeted the mayor.

A simple lunch and snacks were served given to city hall employees and visitors.

Highlights included the blowing of the candle by the mayor. With him were his wife Sarah and six-year-old daughter Mikyla.

In late afternoon, the mayor with his family attended Holy Mass at the St. Joseph Church.

"It is his wish to contribute something significant during his birthday," Sarah Cortes said.

Last year, the mayor celebrated his 43rd birthday by joining Dutch volunteers in the construction of "Gawad Kalinga" houses in sitio Sudlon, Maguikay. — THE FREEMAN