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.