Mandaue City councilor dies

CEBU, Philippines — A devoted public servant. A hardworking legislator. A doting father. A good friend. A good mentor.

These are some of the words of praises and by his friends and colleagues posted on Facebook as Mandaue City Councilor Carmelino “Jun” Cortes del Mar died yesterday after weeks of hospitalization.

Del Mar served as barangay councilman of Ibabao-Estancia, a three-term barangay captain before becoming a city councilor in 2016 and until his death.

In his July 22 post on Facebook account, del Mar said, “Please be informed that me and my wife were tested positive of COVID-19 today. I started feeling unwell last Monday July 19. Those with close contact with me or my wife, please take necessary precautions.”

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes expressed his deep sorrow of losing a friend and a public servant.

“Dako gyud ang kasubo nga gibati nako karon sa iyahang kalit nga pagkawala. Si konsehal Jun del Mar, usa ka maayong amigo, kauban sa buhat ug public servant. Sa iyahang pagtaliwan, ang tibuok dakbayan sa Mandaue niduyog sa kasubo nga gibati sa pamilya del Mar,” said Cortes, del Mar’s political ally.

City Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede described him as a hardworking legislator and a man of principle.

Cebu Sixth District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon also condoled with del Mar’s family and described him as an asset to the Mandaue City Council.

“Thank you for your long years of service to Mandaue City. We will miss your wisdom and your humor,” Ouano-Dizon said.

Fellow City Councilor Maline Cortes-Zafra said that the city lost a great public servant and that she is grateful for guiding her when she started her journey in public service.

“It was a pleasure working with such a humble, genuine and hardworking leader like you. I will honor you by continuing your legacy of good governance,” said Cortes-Zafra, daughter of former vice mayor Demetrio “Jun” Cortes Jr.

Mandaue City First Lady Sarah Walker-Cortes said that the late councilor was an exemplary public servant and they have lost a true and good friend that can never be replaced. — GMR (FREEMAN)