In the afternoon of August 18, 2012, the nation was shocked by the unfortunate news of the plane crash in the seas of Masbate causing the lives of two (2) pilots and that of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.

Before the accident, people knew little about Secretary Robredo who, aside from being DILG Chief, was a multi-awarded Mayor of Naga City for eighteen (18) years. He was instrumental in making Naga one of the premiere cities it is today.

 

Since assuming the post of DILG Secretary in 2010, Secretary Robredo revived and renewed the spirit of dynamism and enthusiasm of the entire work force of the Department, both in the local government and the interior sectors.

With his years of experience on local governance, Secretary Robredo had a clear vision and concept of good and effective local governance in its truest sense. His ideals coupled with commitment and sincerity to serve, has lead the DILG forward towards achieving its mandate of empowering the local government units by engaging active community participation.

It was through Secretary Robredo that the DILG’s presence was felt even in the farthest of barangays in the country. He made sure that the programs and projects of the Department are implemented and realized and eventually, shape and create a great impact in the lives of the people in the community. Secretary Jesse was results-oriented.

Secretary Robredo gave primary importance to people participation for purposes of check and balance in the bureaucracy governed by the principles of transparency and accountability.

Programs such as the Full Disclosure Policy and the Seal of Good Housekeeping are attached to his name being the brainchild of these programs which objective is to make LGUs accountable for their actions. The LGUs’ reception to these initiatives by the DILG Chief did not solicit all positive reactions. However, Secretary Robredo firmly stood his ground with the affirmation that if LGUs are truly empowered, the journey to “Daang Matuwid” is never far behind.

Despite the demands of his job as DILG Secretary, he was accommodating and always very willing to being part of the solution of very issue presented to him by the LGUs specifically in this part of Mindanao. He was too generous of his time, energy and effort if only to find practical solutions to even the most complex problems.

With his passing, Region IX lost not only a partner and confidante, but a good friend who was always willing to share his precious time with people whom he considered the very purpose why he was in the position he was in at the time of his death…a public official with a heart to serve.

An epitome of a true and sincere servant-leader, Secretary Robredo showed the men and women under his stewardship the true definition of selfless and genuine public service…and that is working not by mere word of mouth, but rather, putting into actions the words and promises to the people who have entrusted him to be their voice in a bureaucracy that is too busy to listen to the concerns of common people.

A true, honest and dedicated government official, who was always ready to lend a hand, putting the peoples welfare first above himself, worthy of emulation and an honorable gentleman….gone too soon.

THANK YOU, SECRETARY JESSE, and may your legacy, principles, dedication, commitment and humility continue to inspire this generation and the generations ahead.

Rest in Peace, Sec. Jesse.