LINGAYEN—Joining the nation in its mourning, the provincial government under Governor Amado Espino Jr. offered a Mass in memory of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.

Espino hailed Robredo, who died in an airplane crash last August 18, as a “man of integrity, very decent, simple and hardworking” who made remarkable contributions to both national and local governance.

The governor hailed Robredo’s unwavering determination to push local government units to achieve high standards in public service as phenomenal.

“It will be hard to find someone who can continue what he has started for LGUs,” he said.

Robredo, a former long-time mayor of Naga City, instituted reforms in the field of local governance.

“Under his leadership, DILG has conferred Pangasinan the Seal of Good Housekeeping in recognition of our efforts in advancing principles of accountability and transparency in local governance for 2011 with a prize of P40 million worth of projects… we thank him for that,” Espino said.

The governor also disclosed that Robredo showed his personal concern for Pangasinan by calling to inform the people of major policy developments or to warn them about adverse weather condition.

“The untimely death of the secretary is a big loss to Philippine government and the provincial government, and the people of Pangasinan thank him for inspiring our LGU officials and our people to live a simple and dedicated life but also to aspire for high performance and excellence,” Espino said.

ROBREDO’S JOURNEY

In 1980, after graduation, he joined San Miguel Corporation’s Magnolia division. However, in 1986, he left San Miguel and returned to Naga City to serve as the Program Director of the Bicol River Basin Development Program.

His path to public service continued as he was elected mayor in 1988 at the age of 29, making him the youngest Philippine city mayor at that time.

He served as Naga’s chief executive for six three-year terms.

Among the awards he received in recognition of his achievements in public service are the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, 1996 Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) Award, the Junior Chamber of the Philippines (JCI-Philippines) 1990 The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM), 1998 Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence as Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines, and the first ever “Dangal ng Bayan ” Award from the Civil Service Commission.

Robredo will also be remembered for launching the Kaya Natin! Movement, together with Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio, which aims to achieve “genuine change and ethical leadership in the Philippines”.–Johanne R. Macob

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