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 governance.  We 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.

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Robredo

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