CEBU CITY, Philippines – It is not a scholarship, but it is a step in the right direction.The Office of Civil Defense in Central Visayas (OCD-7) on Tuesday gave a plaque of appreciation to six-year-old Chevaun Julve, the girl who saved her younger brother and cousin from a burning house in Barangay (village) Guadalupe last year. Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmeña and Vice Mayor Michael Rama led Chevaun’s awarding as “Outstanding Individual for Heroic Deed” during ceremonies at the regional police headquarters in Camp Sergio Osmeña along Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City. The plaque was signed by Minda Morante, regional director of OCD-7 and executive director of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), as well as by Chief Superintendent Ronald Roderos, director of the Regional Police Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) and chairman of the RDCC. “Pasalamat ko (I’m thankful),” said Chevaun, smiling as she accepted the plaque. Chevaun’s mother, Preciosa, said she was proud of her daughter’s achievement. Apart from Chevaun, plaques of appreciation were also given to Cebu City’s Sto. Niño fire substation, the Talisay City fire station and the Bayawan City fire station for quickly and effectively fighting fires in their areas of responsibility. Neil Sanchez, spokesman for the OCD-7, said it was the first time the agency gave out such recognitions. He said the plaques were originally scheduled to be handed out last year, but this was delayed due to other pressing concerns. Earlier this week, Preciosa criticized the Cebu City government for reneging on its promise to give Chevaun a scholarship as a reward for her “heroic” deeds. The City Hall’s Department of Social Welfare Services explained that the scholarship covered high school and college education, to be paid for by the Alay Lakad Foundation. Elementary education is free in public schools. Margot visited Chevaun on Monday and promised to help the girl in her elementary education by defraying the family’s expenses in sending her to school, such as paying for school supplies and project materials.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama and Councilor Gerardo Carillo received special citations on Tuesday for putting up an action center for the relatives of victims of the Princess of the Stars tragedy last June. | 
