Wednesday, August 22, 2012

TRIBUTE TO SEC. JESSE M. ROBREDO


Secretary Jesse Robredo - A Modern Filipino Hero


I know a little about this person; but his untimely death somehow compelled me to write an article about him and how significant his life was.  By now, there are a lot of tributes and specials on TV being made to remember him or to honor him.  A frequent remark is “sayang” or “WHAT A WASTE” to lose such a man. The question is who is JESSE MANALASTAS ROBREDO?

SEC. JESSE M. ROBREDO is primarily asked by Pres. Noynoy Aquino to head the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) aside from being a Liberal Party member, he was the youngest Mayor in the country at the age of 29 in Naga City for 18 years.  During Robredo’s time as Mayor he revitalized the City and made it one of the “Most Improved Cities in Asia” as cited by Asiaweek Magazine likewise awarded him the “RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD” for his dedication and contribution to Naga City.  He was one of the high ranking officials who can roam around its constituents freely as he is described in the magazine.

I believe that more than just being a party member, he was not just qualified to lead DILG but will also appointed to set a clear example for the LGU and connected offices. Not an example we want but an example we need; clearly this is in lieu to the President’s Aim for Good Governance or “Matuwid na daan.” campaign.   I will not further indulge myself in sharing what most of media will do but simply honor his man for his sheer dedication to public service.

I know most people reading my blog would ask “WHY?”; Why would I write about someone I don’t know and is not related to superheroes or toys? Maybe because I was flattered to know there are still these few men that exist and are committed to public service. Quite frankly it made me think of what Christopher Nolan’s direction to his Batman Trilogy that beyond Bruce Wayne; Batman will be a symbol and make decision’s no one can.  But Sec. Robredo surpasses the Dark Knight in so many ways; aside from the fact the he is real and he is also a devoted family man.

After hearing, seeing and learning about this man’s simplicity and accomplishment I felt compelled to write a simple tribute in my own simple way.  I believe we lost a great man. A man of principles, a man of dignity, a man with ideals to make a country great and most of all a man who values family on top of his obligation to his country.

I believe Sec. Robredo’s death maybe untimely for his love ones and colleagues but is not meaningless as others may think.  His death opened the door and gateway to his life, his compassion, his simplicity and devotion to good governanceWe would never have known he takes the bus on his own to be with his family.  We would never have known he would miss political meetings because he had to go home and support his daughter on her exams the following day. We would never have known he is the principal mind behind the transparency and accountability guidelines being push by DILG.  His untimely death spawned to the knowledge of a hero who did not boast of his power, a hero who does not look at himself above others and a hero any of us can be.  I believe there is a Sec. Robredo in all of us.  A desire for change, a desire to do good, a desire to help, a desire to have a better Philippines.

Sec. Robredo is God’s way of reminding each and every Filipino that there is still hope, we can still be a better nation, we can all take part and financial gain will not be an issue.  His death is indeed a great loss and none wanted but a midst all the tragedy that had happened, it needed the death of a great man to remind us as a nation where we are at.  That there is hope and there is a better future, despite of what most of us think there are still men like JESSEE MANALASTAS ROBREDO that will give hope and direction to our country.

Our sincerest condolences to the family, we are one in prayer and wish you all the best despite this great loss. It was a privilege to know and learn so much about him that will greatly have impact on my work and family.  Thank you for sharing him to the Filipino Nation.

Photos downloaded from the internet. Copyright to their respective owners. 

21 comments:

  1. He is indeed a hero and a first class public servant. He lived simple and was a great family man too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've always found Sec. Jesse Robredo as a remarkable man. His way of life and how he sought change was really inspirational and enriching to many -- a local hero who we will always remember and find inspiration from. I hope every person could be as dedicated and as honest as him. May you rest in peace Sir Jesse!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just like you, I know very little about Sec.Robredo; and I was surprised on how his constituents trusted him because he was able to serve 6 3-year term. Not because he used the traditional means of politicking but because the people of Naga truly love him. RIP Sec.Jesse Robredo!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yeah, he's not the usual "politician"..he's so humble that even when he was alive, not everyone knows how truly great he is - simply because he doesn't brag about it unlike others.. even up to now I'm still full of regret..he is a great loss to everyone

    ReplyDelete
  5. Same comment I have made about him: I salute you Sec. Robredo. A man with high regard. A man of GOOD GOVERNANCE. A man with GREAT RESPECT and Honor. And Dedication for love of country and family. My deepest condolence to all.

    ReplyDelete
  6. May his good soul rest in peace. I hope his example can be replicated by the other people in our government.

    ReplyDelete
  7. May Sec. Robredo's legacy live on through each one of us helping push for greater transparency in Government, from our own barangay up to the national level.

    ReplyDelete
  8. He is such a big loss to our country, I hope this should be the eye-opener that we really lack good air-crafts and the strict implementation of quality control over technicalities in handling air transportation, tsk,tsk...May the Lord grant his family peace in spite of the tragedy.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I also do not know much about the late secretary. I am glad to read this post. May he rest in peace.

    ReplyDelete
  10. There are a lot of blogposts regarding the late sec. May his soul rest in peace.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have read earlier today that the Palace has offered that the late DILG Secretary be buried sa Libingan ng mga Bayani, but the family said that Naga has always been his home.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Let us just hope that whatever good he has started will not be put to waste by those who will come after him.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks you Sec. Jesse you are an inspiration...

    ReplyDelete
  14. I saw the news just now, and I admire the strength and composure of Sec.Robredo's wife Atty.Len Robredo. She readily accepted the fact the Sec.Robredo is gone and she remained strong for her kids.

    ReplyDelete
  15. He is my hubby's brother in the fraternity and "kababayan",I was deeply sad in his passing because I think we lost a good civil servant. I admire the strength of his wife in dealing with this situation.

    ReplyDelete
  16. whew,, i have also wrote an article of him through virtual writing and yes, upon reviewing his profile, he is a very good leader. Im not a chinese, but I guess most of the leaders are chinese here in Phil. what do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Such a man to look up to is gone but I am sure his legacy will still grow and flourish from among us, if not from his line of family.

    dimaks | The Urban Walker
    http://the-urban-walker.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. a great loss for the philippines. we need more men in politics like him. well I just hope with all the media covering him.. that other would follow his way of being a leader.. god speed to him..

    ReplyDelete
  19. may he rest in peace his such a good man!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I heard good things about him. From his humble beginnings up to getting that one of the highest position at the government. Kudos to him. RIP Sec Jesse!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Condelences to his family. He really is a loss to this country.

    ReplyDelete