Participation in fun run not compulsory

CEBU, Philippines - The office of City Councilor Demetrio "Jun" Cortes Jr. has denied reports that participation in this Sunday's "fun run," which the councilor is initiating, is compulsory. 

Instead of throwing a party to celebrate his 62nd birthday on October 26, Councilor Demetrio Cortes Jr. has decided to initiate a fun run in order to finance a mass feeding program for identified undernourished school children in public schools in the city.

Participants in the Demetrio C. Cortes Jr. Fun Run will converge at the Parkmall at the North Reclamation on October 23 at 4:30 a.m.            

Registration fee is P150.00. A singlet will be given to the participant after signing up.

The fun run is divided into three categories, namely, the 12K, 6K, and 3k.

At exactly 5 a.m., the run will start for the 12k, to be followed by the 6k, and finally the 3k.

The proceeds will directly go to Leonard Wood Elementary School in barangay Jagobiao where in 2008 Sarah Walker Cortes launched her "Busog Talino" program, in partnership with the Jollibee Foundation.

However, Aun Bolanon, Cortes' chief of staff, yesterday denied that such activity is compulsory to all the personnel of the Department of Education (DEPED) Mandaue City division.

Bolanon clarified that only Deped personnel were invited to join the fun run, adding there was no truth to allegations they were forced to join the run.

Bolanon's statement was also corroborated by Benjamin Tiongson, DepEd's administrative officer. He said they indeed received an invitation for the fun run but never was it mentioned that participation was compulsory.

Cortes's office was reacting to the alleged commentaries over the radio that the teachers are allegedly being forced to join the fun run. (FREEMAN)