Last Tuesday, the nation laid to rest the remains of Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo.
The week- long vigil before his burial was a time when simple folk all over the nation and most specially Robredo’s constituents in Naga City where he served as mayor for 18 years (he was first elected in 1988) came out to express their love and respect for this man who at all times during his lifetime made them feel they mattered. Many, particularly the long- time residents of Naga said that aside from the fact that ordinary people could easily approach him about concerns and be assured that something will done to alleviate these, Robredo would also find time to relate with these individuals in a way that assured them that they had a father, brother, true friend or a sincerely caring leader who will prioritize their collective welfare at all times.
His brand of leadership catapulted the City of Naga in Bicolandia into a height of progress that was phenomenal, a feat that many cities and provinces of this nation wished to duplicate.
During the two days when his remains were brought to Malacanang from Naga , it was a sight to see the long queue of members of the masses who came to pay their last respects to the man who they considered their own- a group of visually impaired men and women being led to the long line leading to Robredo’s coffin, barangay leaders and employees , wheelchair- bound individuals, students, and many more ordinary citizens in tshirts and maong, all braving the rainshowers or the searing sun as Manila’s weather deemed to be fickle at that particular time, for a final homage to a beloved man.
I think that many of Robredo’s fellow national officials realized how deeply appreciated he was by the masses as early as when news of trouble with the plane which was to take him him to Naga from Cebu City was reported in the airwaves. Social networks were filled with messages from people who prayed and hoped that the passengers of that tiny plane would be saved and live. The next few days would see messages praying for a big miracle that Robredo’s group that included a veteran pilot and a young assistant. And then the messages became notes of grief, sadness and regret when it was announced that the dead body of the late Secretary has been found. And then came messages of love and deep thanks from everybody who saw in this man the personification of a true leader, someone this country has needed for a long time, someone who came and did wonders on proper governance and human relations but who also made such a quick leave that we were all caught unaware and unprepared.
Finger pointing and ‘sisihan’ was the mode of some officials to explain why Robredo was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments three times to make his appointment by the Chief Executive truly official; why supervision of police and police matters was removed from his list of responsibilities in the Department and then given to his undersecretary; and why seldom napapansin his accomplishments and the innovations he has introduced to make public administration in the local level models of integrity.
Alumpihit sila, as news reported- there was even a proposal to bestow a ‘posthumous’appointment on him, paggawad ng iba pang karangalan, but as Robredo’s wife commented, ‘Di na kailangan ni Jesse ang formality na iyan.’ Agree kami with this brave widow’s remarks- one does not need an official title or recognition for good deeds.
Local election day is coming nearer and nearer- expect many candidates for local elective positions to do a ‘Jesse Robredo’- mag- ikot ng naka tshirt and puruntong at nakachinelas, tumapik- tapik ng mga balikat ng constituents sa lansangan, sa palengke, sa mga bahay- bahay, chumika- chika sa mga barkadahang nagkukumpol sa mga parties and get- togethers.
But few or none of them will be a ‘Jesse Robredo’ because his brand of ‘tsinelas leadership’ was one that was truly sincere and held no pretense or hidden motives. He had a vision and the strength to make this into reality kaakbay ang mga simpleng tao na kanyang pinamunuan. He led by example, living simply and loving his family, doing every job with utmost integrity, treating people equally and eschewing overpublicity of whatever worthy things he has done for this nation.
Robredo’s recognition was awarded by a thankful people as early as many years ago in the City of Naga when a then young man with ideals dared to actualize these and succeeded.
The whole nation collectively showed this appreciation as it paid its final farewell to him and whispered a fervent prayer that more Jesse Robredos will come and continue good governance and leadership for a stronger country and citizenry.
THANK YOU, TORONTO!
