Joavan "turns a new leaf"

CEBU, Philippines - A fresh-looking Joavan Fernandez yesterday morning went to sitio Tunga, barangay Tangke, Talisay City not to cause alarm but to give free porridge to indigent children.

Clad in a black polo shirt and blue jeans, Joavan arrived at the village's covered court, half-filled with young children with several huge pans full of hot porridge.

Joavan said it was just one of the series of feeding programs his father, Mayor Socrates Fernandez, has lined up for him.

He said he personally volunteered to do it to prove to the public that he has changed his ways.

The controversial son of Fernandez also appealed to the public to give him another chance this time and for his past victims, to forgive and forget everything as he is willing to make amends to all his mistakes.

"Ilubong nalang unta to sa kalimot ang kagahapon kay amigo man tang tanan," he said.

This may sound funny to some but for Tangke barangay chief Perla Cabanes, Joavan has always been a friend to her constituents.

"Di man tinuod nga mahadlok ang mga tawo niya. Kami diri bisag unsa na siyang orasa moari, di man mi mahadlok kay buotan man gyud ng bataa," Cabanes said.

Cabanes also added that last year, the children in sitios Salvador, Magay, and Kilawan were beneficiaries of Joavan's feeding projects.

Joavan said his father has lined up several mass feedings for him to supervise, but denied it is in preparation for his 2013 candidacy.

But when asked if he is open to follow his father's footsteps especially that Fernandez is already on his third term, Joavan said he is not closing his doors.

"Wa man nato na sirad-i. Pero sa pagkakaron, mo-support ra ko sa mga project ni Papa," he said.

Joavan, who admitted that he is doing it as a volunteer, said his father has also promised to give him another task, which is to help the city's homeless families find shelter for them through the city hall's housing projects.

"Sukad pa sa pagsugod sige naman tag tabang bisag kinsay moduol nato. Og unsay atong ikatabang, atong tabangan. Og wa, atong balibaran," the mayor's son said. – THE FREEMAN