ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The City Government of Naga wishes to thank the Republic of the Robredo family—Atty. Leni, CITY OF NAGA Aika, Tricia, and Jillian for their grace and courage, JOHN G. BONGAT and for sharing with us a husband City Mayor Mayor John G. Bongat’s Statement and a father... GABRIEL H. BORDADO, JR. on the Passing of Secretary Jesse M. Robredo City Vice Mayor Our gratitude to the following for the inspiring stories of their personal encounters with Sec. Jesse e, the people of Naga City, mourn the ALEC FRANCIS A. SANTOS passing of our most admired public servant. Editor Andreo Calonzo WWe missed him once when he was called to REUEL M. OLIVER Chiyo Kanda serve the national government, and once again we will Supervising Editor Conrado de Quiros ñ miss him because he did his best in the name of our JASON B. NEOLA Dean Tony La Vi a nation's interest, regardless of the dangers ahead. Managing Editor Francis Isaac Fr. Kulandairaj Ambrose ANSELMO B. MAÑO Layout & Design Harvey Keh Secretary Robredo is a man of the people, always doing Jason Neola what is best for the people. As the former mayor of our GERALD O. ENGUERO Writer Joy Aceron city, he has taught us, the citizens, to embrace the Manuel Caballero FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. CSEE concept of “growth with equity” which became the core PAUL JOHN F. BARROSA Marites Dañguilan Vitug of his administration’s philosophy. He promoted Editorial Consultants Miriam Grace Go economic development by sustaining pro-poor projects FREDDIE B. LOPEZ Patricia Evangelista ALBERT A. CECILIO Susan Ople to ultimately build prosperity for the community at Editorial Assistants large. He believed that growth and prosperity must be TJ Burgunio tempered by an enlightened bias for the poor whose Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado, Jr. upliftment is an end to good governance. Wilfredo Prilles, Jr. ISSN 2094-9383 These sites have helped us in providing invaluable As a dynamic servant leader, then Mayor Robredo’s All rights reserved. leadership was cited by no less than former President information Corazon C. Aquino for the “strong belief (that) he has The Naga SMILES magazine is published instilled among the Nagueños that governance is a quarterly by the City Government of Naga thru Office of the President of the Philippines the City Publications and External Relations Office The Award Foundation shared responsibility of public officials and the PESO-DOLE Building, City Hall Compound J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City, Philippines Bicol University citizenry, with government providing the people the tools for their meaningful participation and active Tel. (63)(54) 473 4432 Filipino Reporter engagement.” This is one admirable legacy that I vowed Email: [email protected] GMA News Online Website: www.naga.gov.ph to nurture when he chose me to be his successor. naga smiles to the world@facebook Google Inquirer Online The man who engineered Naga City as a happy place, or A Special Commemorative Issue Online Published in Naga City, Philippines Maogmang Lugar, is now in God’s eternal grace. We, the The Standard people whose lives he touched, will sorely miss him, but Twitter News definitely his spirit will remain forever in the heart of Wikipedia every Nagueño.

So long, Mayor Jesse; farewell to you, Secretary Robredo.

Naga City, August 22, 2012

NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 5 President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Eulogy during the Requiem Mass for DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo 9 The Philippine Legion of Honor 10 Response of Atty. after Accepting the Philippine Legion of Honor “Iba po talaga si Jesse. Kapag mayroon tayong 14 Tricia Robredo’s Eulogy matinding problemang kinakaharap, palagi 19 Aika Robredo’s Source of Inspiration naman pong nandiyan ang mga taong 21 , a Man for Others sumusuporta at magsasabing, ‘Nasa likod mo 26 Jesse Robredo: ‘If I were President...’ 31 A Modern-day Magsaysay kami.’ Pero si Jesse po, kabilang sa mga 33 JMR: Champion of the Masses, Cherished Gem of the Poor bibihirang tao na ang sasabihin, ‘Sir, ako na 36 Ramon Magsaysay Award Citation lang ang haharap, ako na lang ang pu-pronta.’ 37 Quezon Service Cross Conferred on Robredo 39 Things I Learned from Sec. Jesse Robredo Hindi po nasa likod. Handang-handa pong 40 5 Ways can Continue the Legacy of Jesse Robredo nasa harapan. Talagang kasama sa pilosopiya 42 The Simple Lifestyle of Jesse Robredo niya sa buhay ang hindi maging pabigat sa 43 Profile of a Mayor kapwa; ang palaging mag-ambag ng pinaka- 47 The Genius of Jesse Manalastas Robredo 49 The Faith of Jesse Robredo malaki niyang maiaambag, o lagpas pa, para 51 He was Always Hurrying Home makahanap ng solusyon.” 54 Robredo in Top List of Google 2012 Newsmakers, is ‘WikiPinoy of the Year’ 55 Robredo’s Legacy Hard to Dismiss 56 House Confers Medal of Achievement to Robredo 57 A Tribute to DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo 59 Paalam, Kuya Jesse 61 Jesse Robredo, Hero 63 Sec. Robredo: Up Close and Personal 65 De La Salle University Launches Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance 66 Solidarity Message of Mayor John G. Bongat 68 Jesse Robredo: A True Friend, Brother 71 Rare ‘Tsinelas’ Leadership Puts Gov’t in Step with People Power

NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE Sa kabila ng naabot niya, nanatiling simple ang nagtanim ng galit sa mga nagsampa ng mga paulit- kanyang pamumuhay, hindi nalalayo sa karani- ulit na walang katuturang kasong ito. wang tao na napakalapit sa kanyang puso. Alam po natin ang katotohanan sa pulitika: may Si Jesse po ang tipo ng tao na batid ang kanyang ibang nakangiti kapag kaharap mo, pero kung mga kakayahan at limitasyon. Halimbawa po: sa tumalikod ka, pakiramdam mo sasaksakin ka. kantahan. Kadalasan, kung may kasiyahan, kami- Napahanga talaga ako ni Jesse, dahil miski ang kami lang din ang nag-eentertain sa sarili namin nagpakita sa kanya ng di-kagandahang ugali, kaya para makatipid. Si Jesse po, hahanap ng mga niyang harapin nang walang bahid na galit at kasangga para may kasabay siyang kakanta ng pagkayamot. President Benigno S. Aquino III’s chorus at hindi na siya mag-iindividual Eulogy during the Requiem Mass for performance. Pinakabuo ang kanyang ngiti kapag Bukod sa mabait, matino, at mahusay si Jesse, DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo pasampa na siya sa entablado; tawa po siya nang mabilis din siyang umaksyon. Lahat, ASAP sa tawa. Sa dami po ng mga talentadong kanya; hindi niya ugaling patagalin sa mesa ang Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia nagkukumpol-kumpol, nakakapagtaka na halos mga magagawa naman ngayon. Kung kayang Naga City, simulan, sinisimulan agad niya. Naalala ko nga po, August 28, 2012 wala kaming marinig sa mga boses nila bagamat may mikroponong tangan at kinakanta. minsan may mga informal settler na Dalawa raw po sa paborito niyang kanta ay “My kailangang ilipat, dahil Napahanga talaga Way” at “Impossible Dream.” Tatak nga po siguro nakatira sa danger zone ako ni Jesse, dahil inulungan po tayo ni Kasamang Jesse miski ang nagpakita Hindi madaling tanggapin ang biglaang pagkawala ito ng mga paniniwala niya. Hindi siya naging kun- sila kapag bumabaha. ng kaunting Bikol: “Marahay na udto ni Jesse. Hindi po natin inaasahan ang pangya- sa kanya ng di-ka- tento sa status quo; pinatunayan niya sa Naga na Nagtext po sa atin na gandahang ugali, T sa indo gabos.” Mali na naman ho yata. yaring ito, ngunit sa kabila ng ating kaba at pag- posible ang pagbabago. Posibleng madaig ang siste- humihingi ng tulong at kaya niyang harapin nang walang bahid kabigla nang unang marinig ang balita, ginawa mang matagal nang nangingibabaw; posibleng saklolo; kinakabahan natin ang lahat ng ating magagawa upang mailigtas ng galit at Attorney Leni Robredo, Aika, Tricia, Jillian, Mr. madaig ang mga pulitikong napakatagal namayag- sila sa paglilipat, at nag- pagkayamot. Butch Robredo, Dr. Jocelyn Austria, Mr. Freddie siya kung papalarin, at kung hindi man, upang pag at kinasangkapan ang posisyon para sa tatanong kung may Bondoc, Miss Jing Tan, relatives and friends of mabigyan ng angkop at marangal na pagwawakas pansariling interes. Trailblazer po si Jesse sa tuwid kabuhayan ba silang Secretary Robredo, Father Ambrose, members of ang trahedyang sinapit natin. Habang humahaba na daan. Pinatunayan niyang puwede palang mag- daratnan. the clergy, members of the Cabinet, members of po ang panahon, umasa tayo na isang minuto ay tagumpay sa pulitika nang hindi nagiging trapo. the Senate and the House of Representatives, offi- darating siya at sasabihing, “Pasensya na kayo, Kinausap po sila ni Jesse. Matapos ang dalawang cials and staff of the Department of the Interior naabala ko kayong lahat sa tagal ng pagdating ko.” Hindi po madali ang pagtahak sa landas na ito, lalo oras na meeting, ang mga SOS text naging thank and Local Government and its attached agencies, na noong nagsisimula pa lamang siya sa serbisyong you text na po. Salamat muli, Jesse. fellow workers in government, mga minamahal ko Ngayon po, kaisa ako sa pagluluksa ng sam- pampubliko. Malawak at malalim ang mga pag- pong kababayan. bayanang napagkaitan ng isang tunay na lingkod- babagong inasam niya, at sinimulan niya ito ng Iba po talaga si Jesse. Kapag mayroon tayong bayan. Kung mayroon pong Diyos na nagmamahal hindi nakakatiyak kung may patutunguhan nga matinding problemang kinakaharap, palagi naman Bilang kawani ng gobyerno, tanggap na po dapat sa atin at bukal ng katarungan, sigurado akong bang tagumpay. Katambal ng kanyang mga pong nandiyan ang mga taong sumusuporta at natin: Darating ang araw na bababa rin tayo sa kapiling na niya ngayon si Kalihim Jesse Robredo. pangarap ang napakaraming mga praktikal na magsasabing, "Nasa likod mo kami." Pero si Jesse po, puwesto, sa madaling salita, mag-reretiro. Ngayon Nawalan po ng asawa at ama ang kanyang pamilya; kosiderasyon, ngunit pinili niyang lumihis sa mga kabilang sa mga bibihirang tao na ang sasabihin, pa lang po, nai-imagine ko nang magkikita-kita nawalan po ang bayan ng isang tapat at mahusay na nakasanayang pormula sa pulitika. Alam po ito ng “Sir, ako na lang ang haharap, ako na lang po ang kami ng ating gabinete at iba pang mga kasamahan pinuno; nawalan po ako ng isang kapatid sa opisyal mga tao na malapit sa kanya: mas pipiliin pa niyang pu-pronta.” Hindi po nasa likod, handang-handa sa isang restaurant pag nag-retiro na na may kanya- na pamilya sa gabinete, ng kasangga sa mga makulong kaysa bumitaw sa mga kawsa na aming pong nasa harapan. Talagang kasama sa pilosopiya kanyang senior citizen card na nakasilid sa pitaka. ipinaglalaban, at ng kapartido; nawalan po ako ng pinaniniwalaan. niya sa buhay ang hindi maging pabigat sa kapwa; Magkakainan kami, magtatawanan, at isang mabuting kaibigan. ang palaging mag-ambag ng pinakamalaki niyang pagkukuwentuhan kung ano ang mga pinagdaanan Nang nasa oposisyon po kami, hindi naman maiaambag, o lagpas pa, para makahanap ng namin. Kung ano ang mga nagawa namin. Sino po ba si Jesse Robredo? Talaga pong huwarang puwedeng suspendihin ganun lang ang mga nasa solusyon. lingkod-bayan si Jesse: nakatuon palagi sa kapwa at lehislatura, pero sa katulad niyang mayor, laging Hindi na po makakasama si Jesse sa mga kuwen- handang magsakripisyo. Sa lahat ng mga nakabinbin ang banta ng pang-aapi o dineretso Kay Leni, at kina Aika, Tricia, at Jillian: Sa totoo tuhang iyon. Hindi na po makakabiruan si Jesse nakakausap ko, siya ang taong walang kapase- ngang inapi na. Mas marami at mas mabigat ang lang, medyo nahihiya ako sa inyo. Kayo ang tungkol sa pagkilatis sa mga manliligaw ng anak pasensya sa bola. Kay Jesse, what you see is what you pagtatayang ginawa niya sa kanyang buhay pamilya; sigurado akong pinakamabigat ang niya, at sa mga susunod pong taon, wala na rin siya get. Tahimik at masipag siyang nagtatrabaho. pulitika. Ito pong isyu ukol sa kanyang citizenship, kalungkutang nararamdaman ninyo ngayon. para makipaglaro sa magiging apo niya. Hindi siya nagpapadala sa kapangyarihan. alam naman natin ang motibasyon. Pero hindi siya Pero talagang pinapahanga niyo kami, dahil kayo 5 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 6 pa ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin, kayo pa ang Ngunit wala naman siguro magsasabing may nagbibitbit sa amin. kulang pa sa mga inambag ni Jesse. Dapat po yata, tayong mga nakinabang sa kanyang buhay at Leni, alam mo naman na hindi tayo masyadong pagsusumikap, ang tumumbas sa kanyang mga nagkakakilala, dahil na rin pinilit ni Jesse na nagawa, at mag-ambag naman ng parte natin. magkaroon siya palagi ng private time kasama ang kanyang pamilya. Alam ng gabinete ito: Sa hirap ng Naalala ko pa po ang mga agam-agam namin nang aming mga pinagdadaanan, ang pinakagantimpala biglaan ding pumanaw ang aking ama noong taong ko po sa kanila ay paminsan-minsan magpakain ng 1983. Marami po sa amin ang nagtanong: Paano na isang kaaya-ayang hapunan. Pero pag weekend ako tayo? Sino ang magtutuloy? Parang ligaw na ligaw nagyaya ng kainan, siguradong magpapaumanhin po kami; nawala ang aming pinuno. na si Jesse. Sagrado sa kanya ang oras kasama ang pamilya. Palagi siyang nagmamadaling makauwi sa Pero sabi nga po ng aking ina: “If cowardice is Naga. infectious, then bravery is all the more infectious.” Ang nag-iisa, dumami nang dumami hanggang Hindi lang ang mag-anak na Robredo ang nawalan nakamit na nga ng buong bayan ang pagbabago. ng Padre de Pamilya, pati ang buong DILG, ang Hindi mauubusan ng mga bayani ang lahing mga nagtatrabaho sa field, ang lahat ng natulungan Pilipino. At kung si Jesse ay isa sa mga naging niya, ang buong Naga parang nawalan ng ama. Kaya bunga ng sakripisyo ng aking ama, sigurado po nga po bukod sa kalungkutan, matinding panghihi- akong may ibubunga ring mga bagong bayani ang nayang din ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Ang pagpanaw ni Jesse. dami niyang mga plano at talagang kitang-kita na po ang direksyon ng mga reporma. Namuno siya sa Sa ipinapakitang pagpupugay at pagmamahal ng pagpapa-totoo ng mga teorya sa pamamahala na taumbayan ngayon, sigurado ako, may isang pinag-uusapan lang sa mga libro. Ginawa po niya henerasyon na naman ng mga Pilipinong mabibi- yan sa Naga at iyan din po ang nasimulan na niyang gyang-inspirasyon, at mahihimok na maglingkod gawin sa pambansang antas. sa ngalan ni Jesse. Sila po ang magdadala ng katiyakan: Katiyakang makikita natin ang plano ng Kayo na po ang mamili: sa Bureau of Fire Protec- Diyos sa likod ng pagkawala ni Jesse. Katiyakang tion, kung saan nakakuha siya ng mga fire trucks makukuha natin ang gantimpala ng katarungang na mas mura pero mas maganda ang kaledad at mas nagbubukal sa pagmamahal ng Diyos—na lahat marami ang kakayahan; o sa BJMP; sa PNP; pati na ang mga informal settlers. Maraming mga lumang problema na sa tulong ni Jesse, sa wakas, ay ng kagandahan at kabutihang naidulot at naipunla Kaya't huwag na po tayong lumuha. Sa halip, nakikitaan na natin ng solusyon. Sayang po talaga. ni Jesse, ay tunay at buong-buong mapipitas dahil magpasalamat tayo—sa maikling panahong narito sa dulot niyang inspirasyon. siya sa mundo, tayo pa ang nabiyayaan ng pagkakataong makapiling si Jesse Manalastas Ang sabi po sa Pangalawang Liham ni Paul kay Robredo. Timothy, Chapter 4, Verses 6 to 7: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is Paalam, Jesse. Sa ngalan ng sambayanan: at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished Maraming-maraming salamat. NSM my course; I have kept the faith...” Angkop na angkop po ito kay Jesse—mission accomplished na siya sa mundong ito. Marapat lang na matamasa na niya ang mga gantimpala ng isang buo at mabuting buhay sa piling ng Diyos Ama. Nasa hanay na po si Jesse ng mga bayaning sumusubaybay sa atin mula sa kalangitan at nagbibigay-lakas sa atin upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga mabubuting gawain.

7 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 8 Response of Atty. Leni Robredo after accepting the Philippine Legion of Honor conferred by President Benigno S. Aquino III

n behalf of my children, my brother- and officialdom, the divers, and everyone involved in sisters-in-law, and our entire family, I accept finding Jess, you pushed yourselves beyond the I this Legion of Honor award with deep and limits of your physical and mental capabilities to respectful gratitude. This award recognizes my rescue him. The intensity of your dedication husband’s achievements in public service, an became a beacon of hope, and comfort for those of affirmation of his life and work. I am honored. Our us waiting for him to come home. Malacañan Palace entire family is honored. If Jess were here with us Be It Known To All Men By These Presents: today, I know he would shy away from excessive His death was unexpected and we have to deal with praise. He might find all the fuss, pomp and the searing grief of losing him. But I believe that for That I, pageantry a little uncomfortable. But Jess, just this Jess it was not tragic, and he was not taken before Benigno S. Aquino III, one time, allow us to celebrate your life in the way his time. He was never fearful of his life. He was President of the Philippines by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, we think you deserve to be honored. always ready to face his Creator. He often said, “Kung panahon mo na kahit anong gawin mong For being an advocate, as Mayor of Naga City from 1988 to 1998 and again Mr. President, I know that my husband would have pagtatago, panahon mo na. Kung ano ang from 2001 to 2010, and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, of true and transformative change which led to a revitalized city and a vibrant THE PHILIPPINE LEGION OF HONOR felt deeply touched not only with the award you nakatakda siyang mangyayari.” Maybe for him it culture of transparency, accountability, and people empowerment;. The Philippine Legion of Honor is the oldest of the three Senior have bestowed on him today but with what you was the perfect end to a life well lived. Jess often For being a mentor to public servants who are likewise supportive of change; Honors of the Republic. Created by virtue of Army Circular No. 60 have done. From the time we were all still hoping told me he felt he would die young. During our on July 3, 1947, it is the highest honor that the President of the that he was still alive somewhere in Masbate until moments together he would always say that Philippines may grant an individual without the concurrence of For choosing to tread the straight and righteous path, even at the risk of we learned that he was indeed gone and up until between the two of us, he would be the first to go. I political persecution, instead of taking the easy and crooked road of the Congress. unprincipled; now when we are about to lay him to rest is way never believed him then. The Philippine Legion of Honor is awarded by the President of the beyond what we expected. If we could hear Jess For institutionalizing a virtuous cycle in the Department of the Interior and Philippines. It can also be awarded by the Secretary of National Local Government by establishing a full disclosure policy and seals of good Defense on behalf of the President. The latest recipient was former speak, I know he would be saying, “Sobra-sobra na When he became a member of the Cabinet, I was Director-General of the Philippine National Police Nicanor housekeeping in local governments; ito.” We’ve all felt your care and commitment to always nervous whenever he would take a private Bartolome, who was conferred on December 18, 2012 with the Jess in a very personal way that you have ensured plane or a helicopter. We constantly argued about For being a leader who set aside the ostentations of power, choosing rank of Commander. the simplicity and honesty of genuine servant leadership; that my children and I can grieve and not worry the necessity of it all. But he made me understand Originally, the Philippine Legion of Honor had four ranks, with about anything. Thank you from the bottom of our that sometimes this could not be avoided because For his dedication to public service, which earned him the respect and acclaim Legionnaire as the lowest and Chief Commander as the highest and of his peers and the public, as manifested in the countless accolades he most prestigious. However, on September 19, 2003, the ranks of hearts. of his work. He promised me that he would take received, such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in the Philippine Legion of Honor were expanded to six. This only commercial flights whenever possible. But applies to the civilian branch as the Armed Forces has its own ranks 2000, the Medal of Excellence as Most Outstanding City My heartfelt gratitude also goes to Secretary Mar sometimes he still did not heed my request. He Mayor of the Philippines in 1998, the first ever “Dangal ng Bayan” Award of of the Philippine Legion of Honor. the Civil Service Commission, and inclusion in the Ten Outstanding Young Roxas, Secretary Butch Abad and Congressman Jun shielded me from this fear by simply not telling me Men of the Philippines (TOYM), among many other awards; and The highest rank, Chief Commander has always been conferred on heads of state or governments, and distinguished individuals in Abaya who were always with Jess not just in death about it. For being an exemplar of principled, committed leadership, regardless of recognition of their importance to the Republic or for life but also in life. Thank you for dreaming with him. achievement. The first conferment of the rank of Chief personal cost or danger, thereby making him a man of outstanding life Thank you for walking with him. Thank you for Last Saturday, the day of the crash, I was already on achievement deserving of the highest recognition the President of the Commander was on U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (posthumous). staying with him until the very end. To Secretary the phone with him early in the morning. There Philippines can confer, , who stayed with us and made sure was a flurry of calls and text messages between us have caused to be inscribed in the roster of The first Filipino to be conferred the rank of Chief Commander of the Philippine Legion of Honor was President in that during those dark moments when we learned throughout the day. Early in the afternoon, I told the Philippine Legion of Honor 1957. The latest recipient was Secretary of the Interior and Local Jess was missing, the children and I were eating and him not to hurry home because my daughter’s Government Jesse M. Robredo, who died in a plane crash off the sleeping and not worrying too much, thank you. competition finished early. I thought he would just the name of coast of Masbate on August 18, 2012. He was conferred on the day of his interment in Naga City, August 28, 2012. Other Thank you also to Secretaries , be taking the bus bound for Naga that same night. distinguished recipients of this rank include Chief Justice Claudio , Rene Almendras, Ging Deles and But in true fashion, he still decided to fly home. He Jesse M. Robredo ñ Teehankee, Senator Lorenzo Ta ada, and . , who rescued us and took charge of all just wanted to surprise us and make us happy. Secretary of the Interior and Local Government with the rank of Chief Commander (Punong Komandante) For other ranks, the Philippine Legion of Honor serves as the the preparations for the wake. You really made nation’s order of military and security merit, in recognition of an (posthumous) things very easy for us. To the other members of When I first learned that he was pushing through individual’s contributions to the military and to the national the Cabinet, the search and rescue teams, the local with the trip, I texted him and he confirmed that he Done in the City of Manila security of the country. www.gov.ph This 28th day of August government officials of Masbate, the Naga City boarded the plane already. I was already very near in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twelve 9 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 10 the airport to pick him up when he texted me again enjoy the perks of his position because he was Much has been said about how great Jess was as a ng mga anak mo. About to start my evening ritual.” that his plane was going back to Cebu. He never told always afraid that he’d get used to it and be tempted public servant. But to us, his family, we will By this, he meant that he would now start signing me why. I was able to reach him at 4:40 in the after- to do all means just to stay in power. He used to tell remember him most as an exceptional husband the voluminous office documents that are brought noon, just before the plane plunged into the sea. He me, “Mahirap nang masanay at baka hanap- and father. He died with nothing left unsaid. He home for his signature. Before he sleeps, he would told me in the calmest voice that he would call me hanapin ko.” He was conscious not to spend beyond constantly showered us with “I love you’s.” He call and talk to Jillian and me. He would drop later. He said he was just taking care of something. our means. He felt that if our needs and wants always told me he was lucky that he married me. everything for our girls. He wasn’t there just for He never called me back. become unreasonable, he would be more vulnerable He constantly told my children he was proud of the big events but also for the small ones. He would to temptations. He was never attached to material them. On a normal day, he would text or call me badger many people, Secretary Mar included, just When the body bag carrying his remains was things. During one of his recent birthdays while he several times. His first text message of the day to ask for UAAP tickets for Aika, who almost never opened before my eyes, I was not at all surprised to was already Secretary of the DILG, he received a would always be, “Ma, gising na ako.” Between us misses an Ateneo basketball game. Whenever see that he was wearing his DILG uniform, the same number of signature shirts as gifts. He piled them there is a constant narrative of, “in the car already,” Tricia had an upcoming exam, he would text me, uniform that he wore in that picture in front. That up inside his closet and told me while looking at “going to the office na,” “proceeding to the next “Ma, please go to the blessed sacrament, Trish has was Jess to the very core. He was always working so those gifts, “Magagalit na nito sa akin ang Diyos.” appointment,” and so on and so forth. exams today.” He tutors Jillian in Math by tele- hard but at the same time always rushing home to When he became DILG Secretary, coming home to phone and he would even do sample math problems be with his family. Naga every weekend kept him grounded and made Sometimes, when he was in the middle of a difficult for her to solve while attending important meet- him stronger against temptations. The weekend conversation, he would text me, “hirap naman ings. He was never too busy for all of us. When Jess was still mayor of Naga, we both worked before that fateful crash, he fixed everything in the nitong kausap ko.” Or sometimes when attending a hard in making sure that the children would not house—busted lights, broken doorbell, leaking formal function at some flashy hotel, he would text 2012 was supposed to be a banner year for us. Two feel any sense of entitlement because of his faucets. He always looked for work to feel like a me, “Bok, fine dining na naman, siguradong gutom months ago, we celebrated our silver wedding position. He always told us that the greatest gift he regular man of the house. He said these simple na naman ako nito.” Often, he is home early enough anniversary. The day of our anniversary fell on a could give our children is a good name. In death, he tasks made him feel important to his family and to eat dinner with Aika and Tricia. After dinner he weekday. Although we already celebrated the prior gave my children that gift and the best way we can strengthens him. would often text me, “tapos na kaming mag-dinner all honor him is to guard that name and make him proud. My husband was always cautious not to

11 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 12 weekend, he still came home for a few hours to mark. We did not expect this kind of reaction. I am surprise me, bringing with him a hodgepodge of sure Jess did not expect this either. flowers he got along the way. This loving gesture was all that was needed for our last anniversary to I am amazed to see big burly men crying over his EULOGY be memorable. death. When the funeral cortege passed by the by Tricia G. Robredo streets of Manila and Naga there were as much In a moment of reflection, we agreed that we have cheers as there were tears. So many people have said been truly blessed not only because we have three very kind and inspiring words to us, and told us wonderful children, but also because life has how Jess touched their lives. It seems that everyone generally been good to us. That was when he first had a personal encounter with him and had a story Tricia Robredo's speech during the necrological told me that he had already fulfilled all his dreams to tell. During his last Sunday with us, he told me in services for the late Interior Secretary, held at the for himself. the car, while I was driving him to the airport, People's Hall of the Naga City Hall on Sunday “Quotang-quota na ako. Hindi ko na pinangarap evening, August 26, 2012. People would remember my husband as a hard- ang lahat na ito. Sobra-sobra na ang ibinigay sa akin working and dedicated public servant, who made a ng Diyos.” His cup was indeed overflowing, his difference in the lives of people. He had his own dreams for himself were simple and God gave him brand of leadership and preferred to keep so much more than he asked for. everything simple. His heart always cries out to the ko po ang pangalawang anak ni Secretary Si Jillian po, ang bunsong kapatid ko, alam n'yo po poor and the marginalized. When he talks to me Jess, thank you for the gift of your life. How lucky Robredo. Baka hindi n'yo po alam kasi mas gusto niya talaga mag-artista. Ilang oras pagkatapos about his work, he would always tell me, “kawawa we are that you shared your life with us. We are A matangkad ako sa ate ko, kaya baka isipin naming malaman na wala na si Papa, ano ang talaga ang mahihirap,” and hope that he could do truly blessed to have been loved by you. As my n'yo ako ang unang anak. Pangalawa po ako. unang tanong niya kay Mama? “Ma, ilang taon si more to make life easier for them. He found fulfill- daughter said, you may have been prepared to die, Kris (Aquino) noong namatay si Ninoy?” Baka daw ment when he worked as Mayor of Naga City but we were not prepared to lose you. We are Sa pamilya po namin ako ang pinakamadrama, sabi kasi puwede siyang maging isang Kris Aquino because outcomes could be seen and felt quickly. devastated by your loss, but even if we are grieving nila. Kahapon, habang naghihintay kami sa mga paglaki niya. Things were different at the national level. He we will continue to live because your spirit lives in tao na bibisita kay Papa sa Malacañang, nakagawa worked so much harder, but he often wondered if us. I will make sure that your dreams for our na sana ako ng sasabihin ko ngayong gabi. Binasa Ako naman po, nitong mga nakaraang araw, kung his efforts were appreciated. “Hindi ko alam kung children will be fulfilled. I will not say goodbye be- ko uli 'yung sinulat ko, umiyak ako nang umiyak. nakikita niyo ang mga litrato sa mga newspaper o may patutunguhan ang lahat na ito,” were his exact cause I know that you will never leave us, and will Talagang madrama ako. Kaya kaninang umaga, sa TV—di ko pa nakikita kasi ayaw ko manood ng words. But the immensity of the public response to always be in our midst. You are home now. You are binago ko 'yun, tapos bago kami pumunta dito, balita—sigurado ako na ang nandoon, kung hindi his death and the collective grief being displayed back where you truly belong. Rest well. We will love tinext ko si Papa, sabi ko sa kanya, “Pa, kung feeling ako umiiyak, nagpupunas ako ng ilong. Kaya gives us comfort that his efforts have made their you forever. NSM mo iiyak na ako, please, kilitiin mo ako,” kasi ayoko pagkatapos na hindi ako nagsalita tungkol sa na magpakita sa inyo na umiiyak. nangyari, nagpaalam ako kay Mama na gusto ko rin magsalita tungkol kay Papa. Si Ate naman kinausap din si Papa kanina. Sabi niya, “Pa, tapakan mo ang paa ni Tricia pag umiiyak Siguro, ngayon, tinatawanan ako ni Sec Jess. 'Di pa na siya, kasi hindi kami puwedeng magpakita na siya nagpaparamdam sa akin, pero sana mag- mahina ang loob namin dahil sa mga nangyari.” paramdam na siya. Parang naririnig ko rin siya na nagsasabi, “Ayos ka Bok, isang week pa lang, nag- Sa aming magkakapatid, ako ang pinakamahiyain. bago ka na.” Sabi naman ng iba, ako naman ang pinakamahina ang loob. Kung nakita n'yo, si Ate nagsalita para sa pamilya namin, sinagot lahat ng mga tanong ng mga reporter maski mahirap sumagot ng mga tanong tungkol kay Papa. Pero nakita niyo naman na nagawa niya iyon, kahit mahirap, gaya nu'ng sa ANC (interview). Matibay talaga (ang loob) ni Ate.

Si Jillian naman po, may kuwento ako tungkol sa kanya. Sana tumawa kayo kasi medyo sad ang atmosphere ngayon. Sana matuwa kayo.

13 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 14 Dati po kasi di ako masyadong nakikipag-usap sa magtatanong kung anong puwedeng i-regalo ibang tao. 'Yung mga friends po nila Mama at kasi gusto niya talaga i-surprise si Mama. Mahal Papa, alam iyan. Mahiyain nga po ako, hindi ako niya talaga si Mama, na maski birthday niya in- gaya ni Jillian na gusto maging Kris Aquino, so aalay niya kay Mama. Naalala ko isang beses, madalas hindi na lang ako nagsasalita. birthday niya sa City Hall, pinakanta siya. So Nagsasalita lang ako kapag kailangan. Pero lahat kumanta siya, hindi naman siya nahihiya. iyan nagbago nitong nakaraang linggo. Binibiro Tapos ide-dedicate niya raw yung song na ko nga si Papa bago matulog, mas marami pa kakantahin niya kay Mama. Anong kinanta akong nakausap nitong linggo kaysa sa mga niya? “Please Release Me.” Pero gusto lang nakausap ko nitong nakaraang taon. nilang pasayahin si Mama. Hindi normal ang ganitong ugali, lalo na sa Pamilya muna ganitong edad, ang mga ka-edad ko laging gusto maraming kasama. Ako, solo lang. Kung puwe- Sa aming magkakapatid mahaba ang pasen- deng gawin ko mag-isa ang mga bagay, gagawin sya niyan. Ako po, pre-med ngayon, medyo mahi- ko mag-isa. Killjoy, 'di ba? Minsan nga parang rap ang course—sabayan pa ng paglipat sa Manila. nakakainis na. Pero, alam n'yo, 'di sa akin Mahal na mahal ko ang Naga, ibang-iba sa Manila. pinaramdam ni Papa na mali ang ganitong ugali. Kaya kadalasan nagtataray ako, lalo na kapag so- brang inis na ako. Minsan nga sinusuntok ko ang Noong pinag-usapan namin ito, ngumiti lang malaking tiyan ni Papa kapag sobrang galit na ako, siya, tumango, at sinabi, “Ano naman, anak? Labs pero okay lang sa kanya. Pero 'pag ganyan, pupunta na labs ka naman ni Papa.” na lang iyan sa kuwarto ko, 'di lang magsasalita dahil nga galit na ako, mag-iiwan ng pagkain, tapos Marunong magmahal tatawagin si Mama: “Ma, magdasal na tayo para sa test ni Tricia.” Marami na tayong kuwento na narinig tungkol kay Papa: Matibay siya na Mayor, matibay siya Minsan nga hahanapan niya pa ako ng tutor. Wala na Secretary, mabuti siyang kaibigan o ka-brod, na sa job description niya, pero ginagawa pa rin Si Ate naman, graduate na iyan ng Ateneo apat na mabuti siyang anak, mabuti siyang kapatid, niya. 'Pag araw na ng test ko, magtetext nalang 'yan taon na ang nakakaraan, pero grabe pa rin kung mabuti siyang anak. Pero natanong n'yo na ba ng “Go La Salle, Trish!”—pero taga-Ateneo po ako. manood ng UAAP games. Kung sinu-sino na kung bakit siya matibay, kung bakit siya mabuti? Pagkatapos ng test ko tatawag iyan, o pag-uusapan tinatawagan ni Papa para lang makahingi ng ticket Kung ako tatanungin niyo, ito ang sagot ko: nag- namin kapag nagkita na kami. sa UAAP basketball games. ing matibay at mabuti si Papa dahil marunong siya magmahal: Magmahal sa trabaho, Si Jillian po lagi niyang hinihilot bago matulog. Kapag naiiwan sila sa Manila, lumalabas sila ni Ate magmahal sa tao. Lagi rin silang naka-holding hands. Kapag tumabi para kumain sa mga kainan malapit sa amin. na si Jillian sa kanila sa kama, sasabihin na niyan, Paano magmahal si Papa? Sabi ng Lola ko sa isang “Anak, Our Father na tayo.” Pagmamahal sa bayan interview, maraming may gusto kay Mama noong dalaga pa siya, pero sa dinami-rami ng Noong mayor pa siya, pinapa-encode pa niya ang Labs na labs talaga kami ni Papa. Pero kahit sobra- lalaki na nanligaw sa kanya, si Papa ang pinili mga practice tests ni Jillian para ready na siya 'pag sobra na, meron pa rin siyang space sa puso niya niya. Hindi ko alam ang rason, dahil 'pag nag- magpapa-tutor na siya. para mahalin ang bawat isa sa inyo. Sinisiguro ko tatanong ako 'di niya ako sinasagot. Pero subukan iyan sa inyo. n'yo itanong, baka sagutin kayo. Try n'yo lang. Marami pang ganitong moments kasama si Papa, Pero sa mga nakita ko sa kanila, si Papa mahilig pero kung kailangan ko itong i-summarize sa isang Naaalala ko noong bata pa ako, pag-uwi ko galing i-surprise si Mama. sentence, sinisiguro na muna na tapos ang assign- eskwelahan, nakita ko siya nakatayo sa pagitan ng ments namin bago ang trabaho niya. Baka nakaka- isang babae at isang lalaki, tapos may iba pang mga Si Papa rin, bago mag-birthday si Mama, or mag- offend sa iba kasi baka isipin niyo, inuuna niya tao. Pagdaan ko, may kinakasal pala siya—pero may wedding anniversary, or mag-Mother's Day, kami, pero sorry po, ganoon talaga siya. Mas una sakit siya noon. Isipin niyo: Naka-pajama siya, papasok iyan sa kuwarto naming magkakapatid kami. Kami ang priority ni Papa. Maski divided ang nakayapak, at hindi lang iyan—nakasuwero pa siya. kapag akala niya tulog na si Mama, tapos time niya, alam namin na may oras siya para sa Pero kinasal pa rin niya ang mga dapat ikasal kasi amin. trabaho niya iyon. 15 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 16 Kapag galit na iyan, gaya ng sinabi kanina ni ng yellow T-shirt, may mga yellow ribbons, meron wala? Sinasabi doon ni Papa na humanap tayo ng Sec, Mayor, Pogi, Boss, Bright Boy, Papa, hindi Ninong Gabby (Naga Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado pang may malaking picture ni Papa. Siguro kung hero sa ating mga sarili. Siguro po, ngayong wala na matatapos sa Facebook, sa Twitter, o sa TV ang Jr.), kakagatin na lang niya ang daliri niya kaysa sa buhay pa si Papa at ginawa niyo iyan, kakantyawan si Papa, kailangan nating malaman na bawat isa sa pangako naming ipagpatuloy ang nasimulan mo. magsalita ng masama. Galit na nga siya, sinasaktan na namin si Papa— “grabe ka, mukha mo nasa T- atin may magagawa para sa siyudad na ito. Kahit na Ako na po ang bahala kay Mama—Senator Leni. pa niya sarili niya. shirt na ng mga tao. Hindi ka pa ba satisfied na masaya na tayo—“An Maogmang Lugar”—marami Joke! 'yung mukha mo nasa harap na nila?” Pero sige, nang pagbabago, hindi pa tapos ang laban. Sana Noong may sumabog malapit sa convoy niya, sa dahil wala na siya, pagbibigyan na namin. bawat isa sa atin kumilos bilang respeto kay Papa. Kami naman pong magkakapatid, nangangako Mindanao ata iyon, tumawa lang siya tapos kami, kahit hindi kami magpulitika, gagawin tumuloy sa mga meeting niya. Sabi pa niya sa amin Nakakataba ng puso kapag may nakikita kami na Alam ko kaya natin; sinasabi nga niya, maski maliit namin ang lahat para ipagpatuloy ang ginawa ni noong nagkukuwento siya, feeling niya nasa umiiyak, sumasaludo, at nagdarasal para sa kanya. na tao may magagawang malaking bagay, hindi Papa. Kung ako, sabihin na nating maging doctor in teleserye siya. Nakakainis 'di ba? Kami kinakaba- Hindi namin inakala na ganito karami ang tao na lang para sa siyudad, kundi para sa bansa rin. 4 years, si Ate maging mas successful, si Jillian han, naiiyak sa nangyari, tapos siya, sabi niya, nagmamahal sa Papa namin. Siguro ngayon, maging Kris Aquino, promise po babalik kami dito. feeling niya siya si Fernando Poe Jr. kinikilig na si Pogi, nanonood lang sa langit. Ang Papa, maybe you were ready to die, but we were not Tatapusin namin, ipagpapatuloy namin ang laki siguro ng ngiti niya, kita na ang pustiso. ready to lose you. Although I don't understand why sinimulan niyang laban. Hindi niya magagawa o malalampasan ang mga you had to leave so soon, I'm still very grateful to nangyaring ito kung hindi siya malakas. Hindi siya Pinakaimportante sa lahat, salamat sa pagbigay sa have been raised and loved by you. Pa, hindi kami magsasawa na magkuwento sa mga magi-ging malakas kung hindi niya mahal ang kanya ng lakas para magawa niya ang lahat ng anak namin, at sa mga anak ng mga anak namin, ginagawa niya. nagawa niya. Salamat sa pagpapasaya sa kanya. Hindi ko po alam kung anong mangyayari pagbalik tungkol sa malateleserye mong buhay. Para kang si Salamat sa pagpapaalam sa kanya na may babalikan ko ng Manila, kasi nasanay po akong nandoon din FPJ, pero higit pa. Pagpapasalamat siya sa Naga. Kahit na nasa Manila na siya, gusto siya. Pero sanayan na lang talaga. niya lagi umuwi. Sigurado ako na isa sa mga rason Hindi ko po kayang ipahiwatig sa salita ang aking Ngayong gabi po, nagpapasalamat po kaming ay dahil nandito kayo. Jesse sa bawat isa sa atin pasasalamat na naging anak n'yo ako. Hindi ko rin buong pamilya sa pagpapakita at pagpaparamdam kayang ipahiwatig sa salita ang pagpapasalamat ko sa amin at kay Papa na mahal n'yo rin siya. 'Ang importante ang hindi Wala na ang katawan niya, pero sabi nga po ni sa inyong lahat. Kahit 54 years old lang si Papa, nasasabi' (Naga City) Mayor John (Bongat), nakikita niya si sigurado ako lampas pang-100 years old ang Mahirap mawalan ng tatay. Nakakalungkot isipin Papa sa ating lahat. Sana nga po totoong may Jesse experiences niya. Nalulungkot man kami kay Papa, na mabubuhay kami na wala siya. Pero alam namin Marami pa akong gustong sabihin tungkol kay Robredo sa bawat isa sa atin. ang suporta n'yo ang nagpapalakas sa amin. Kapag na hindi lang kami ang nawalan, na hindi namin Papa, pero kung iisa-isahin ko yun, hindi ako naiisip naming masaya na si Papa, na hindi siya kaila-ngan mag-isa para malampasan namin ito. matatapos. Wala pa siguro ako sa kalahati, Promise, Pa, hindi kami magbo-boyfriend ni Ate at talaga mawawala, na kinikilig na siguro siya, iyon sinusundo na ako ni Papa. ni Jill kung hindi sila kasimpogi o kasimbait mo. ang tumutulong sa amin na ma-accept na wala na Salamat sa pakikiisa sa amin sa pagdarasal at umasa Nakakatawa nga po, noong wake sa 's talaga siya. rin na makuha si Papa ng mga fishermen. Sabi nga Sa school po, may natutunan ako, nabasa ko sa Palace, maraming lumalapit sa amin ni Ate: “Kung ng ilang kaibigan ko na pumunta sa bahay noong isang article na sinulat ni Padre (Roque) Ferriols magbo-boyfriend kayo, dadaan muna sila sa amin.” Pero ito ang challenge sa ating lahat: Na sana ang nawawala pa si Papa, “Tricia, 'wag ka mag-alala. (Jesuit priest/philosopher): “Pag nasabi na ang lahat Naku, kulang na lang ipakilala namin sa buong pagkamatay ni Papa ay hindi para sa wala. Sana may Nakuha lang iyon ng tribo, may mga dahon-dahon ng masasabi, ang importante ang hindi nasasabi.” Naga kapag nagka-boyfriend kami! Kaya Papa, makuha tayo sa nangyari sa kanya. sa ulo para ma-heal ang mga sugat niya.” pinapahirapan mo pa kami—kailangan pa namin Malaki na ang pasasalamat na ibinigay natin kay sila i-introduce sa mga tao! I love you forever, Pa. See you on the other side. Salamat po sa pagpalit n'yo ng mga profile picture Papa; oras na para may gawin tayo para sa kanya— niyo sa Facebook, sa pagbigay ng tribute para kay ang ipagpatuloy ang ginawa niya para sa atin, para Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. NSM Papa, pati pakikipag-away sa mga taong hindi natin hindi masayang ang pinaghirapan niya. Sana ipag- maintindihan sa Twitter. Maraming salamat po. patuloy natin ang mga sinimulan niya. Kung hindi n'yo iyon ginawa, siguro ako na ang nakipag-away sa kanila. Pero sinabihan din naman Isa sa mga favorite quotes na nabasa ko sa Facebook ako ni Papa na 'wag makipag-away, so baka 'di ko rin nitong mga nakaraang araw, na sinabi pala ni Papa gawin iyon. na hindi ko alam sinabi niya, ay iyong sinabi niya na marami tayong lider sa national level na tinu- Salamat sa mga nakahanap ng oras para bisitahin si turing na “the best people,” ang mga sikat, ang Papa, para makausap siya sa huling pagkakataon. magagaling, uupo nalang sa isang posisyon—pero Noong sinasamahan ko si Papa nitong mga bakit lumalaki lalo ang gap sa pagitan ng meron at nakaraang araw, marami akong nakitang nakasuot

17 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 18 If there was one thing that convinced me that he is truly deserving of the award, it is this: He has never made me feel I was different from others just because he is my father. As he goes about serving others, I have never been left wanting for his time and attention. He eats lunch and dinner with us seven days a week, even if it means he has to take two or three more meals because he has to attend a constituent’s wed- ding or birthday reception. No occasion is too trivial for him. He is there for us not only during PTA meetings or piano or ballet recitals, but even when my math homework gets a little too difficult.

Now that I am a little older, sometimes by Jessica Marie G. Robredo people would come up to me to tell me what was only 12 years old in August 2000 when showed us all that the people are still the most great things my father Jesse Manalastas Robredo was proclaimed as important resource and restored our faith in entitled to special perks just has done for them. I feel I because of his office. He lives ... greatness of spirit can proud. But what puts a the recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award democracy. He not only worked for the poor but for Government Service. I was a witness to how worked with them and involved them every step of very modestly as his house and be achieved not through smile in my heart is honored the man felt with the recognition given to the way. He has always pushed for growth with office would reveal. knowing that he also him. But it was not until I was asked by my English equity, transparency, integrity and he brought wealth, power or did small things for teacher to go over the list of past and present honor to his office. But the most essential part of He is a very dedicated public popularity, but by living some people—things Ramon Magsaysay awardees and write an essay on his accomplishments are those that are invisible to servant and practices what he your life with quiet dignity like bringing back a preaches. No task is ever too me- wayward son to his one of them that I was able to fully understand the the naked eye. and by becoming a man great significance of the award. The awardees, I nial for him, whether it is distraught mother, quickly learned, were exceptional men and women I am 15, but I must admit that to this day, the les- driving around the city at night for others helping a male who bravely dared to make a difference in making sons of democracy, of fiscal management, of people to check busted lampposts or employee patch things Asia, and maybe the world, a better place. empowerment, are still quite difficult for me to joining street cleaners and garbage collectors in up with his wife, or comprehend. What I do understand is that the peo- performing their regular chores. playing basketball on a street corner with the It was easy for me to pick Jesse Robredo from the ple of Naga look up to him because he succeeded in neighborhood kids. Such things may appear incon- list of 229 awardees because he was one person who making them feel he is just like any one of them. People see the best in him during the worst of sequential, but they have brought great joy to truly inspired me, and who continues to inspire me He is simple and humble in his ways. He times. He is always the last man on the street others and made them feel important. to make a difference. To write about his life and his wears the city government uniform to during typhoons, making sure that people are safe, work, however, is a very daunting task, because he work. He is in his office before eight and the first one to shovel the mud out of the city His decision to continue serving his native city and is very close to my heart. o’clock in the morning. He goes after the floods. resist the lure of national prominence, which a around without bodyguards, higher elective post could have brought him, had Much has been written about his outstanding work and he does not believe he is In 1998, after serving his third consecutive term as the deepest impact on me and imparted to me life- as mayor of Naga City from 1988 to 1998 and how mayor of the city, he stepped down quietly, ignor- long lessons: that no deed is too small nor too big if he bravely fought corruption, vice, poverty, eco- ing suggestions for him to seek higher office or it makes other people’s burden lighter and their nomic stagnation and dramatically transformed perpetuate himself in power by asking a family lives better; that greatness of spirit can be achieved Naga from an inefficient and dispirited city into member to run in his stead. not through wealth, power or popularity, but by one of the most progressive in the country. When living your life with quiet dignity and by becoming the euphoria brought about by the Edsa People Now that I know what the Ramon Magsaysay a man for others. By his example, I have been truly Power Revolution started to wane and people were Award is all about, I feel truly blessed that I happen inspired to dare to make a difference, break starting to doubt if a more authoritarian leadership to be his daughter. I was born exactly six days ground, stand up for my own convictions and serve would work better for the Filipino people, Robredo before he was first elected mayor and I spent the others selflessly and with integrity in whatever first 10 years of my life with him at City Hall. field I will find myself in. NSM

19 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 20 by Tony La Viña, Dean, Ateneo de Manila University School of Government

A simple life Jesse Robredo lived simply. Stories abound of how Jesse was so unassuming, dressed always modestly, lived in ordinary abodes (not villas nor mansions), esse Robredo and I belonged to the same gene- had simple (but great) taste in food, and was always ration of Ateneans. He was a student of Ateneo comfortable, as the mayor of Naga and Interior J de Naga High School at the same time I was secretary, to “mix it up” with his constituents and studying in Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. his staff.

He must have been exposed to the same Jesuit Indeed, as one of his staff commented on televi- mantra as all of us in that generation were: “You are sion, he enjoyed being with people on the ground called to be men and women for others,” a phrase and the streets more than being with those in social coined by Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Father General of events. the Society of Jesus, in a 1973 speech to alumni of Jesuit schools. My colleagues Joy Aceron and Francis Isaac, in Frontline Leadership, a book published by the Upon hearing of the crash of Jesse’s airplane while I Ateneo School of Government, described how the was in Kathmandu, last Saturday, as a way of way Jesse dressed gave “the impression that fashion coping with my helplessness and worry, I decided to is not among his priorities.” prepare for the worst and began thinking of how to honor this great man. They recount his wife Leni’s story of how she once bought her husband a Lacoste shirt and how he I did not have to look farther than what our Jesuit never wore it, knowing perhaps how much it cost. mentors taught us. More than anything, as a Robredo, according to Aceron and Isaac, attributed leader’s leader, a servant of the people, and a family his simple taste to his parents. “Growing up in a man, Jesse Robredo was truly a man for others. family that did not put a premium on material Let us recall Arrupe’s definition of “men and goods or riches, he and his siblings were taught by women for others,” the prime educational objective their parents to refrain from seeking any favor or of Jesuit institutions: “men and women who will special privileges, and instead to measure the live not for themselves but for God and his Christ— degree of their success based on the amount of for the God-man who lived and died for all the labor that they have exerted.” world; men and women who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the This simplicity was not just a personal, private least of their neighbors; men and women com- thing. As a government official, he was also very pletely convinced that love of God which does not thrifty. He rejected all types of extravagance and issue in justice for others is a farce.” was extra careful with the people’s money.

Later in the same speech, Arrupe elaborates and His record at the Department of the Interior and says a man-and-woman-for-others lived simply, Local Government (DILG) will show how transpa- committed to a life of service, and sought to change rent and scrupulous he was about government unjust social structures. This is an accurate descrip- finances. Because of this, he made many political Then Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo with Kaya tion of Jesse Robredo and how he lived both his pri- enemies but he persisted and eventually the DILG Natin co-founders, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio and Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, during their vate (to the limited extent I was exposed to this) and bureaucracy, as did the Naga City Hall, became ‘Islands of Hope’ campus tour in 2008. public life. more appreciative of what he was doing.

21 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 22 Life of service He said, “The servant-leader is servant first…It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to Jesse Robredo lived a life of service with a strong serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings commitment to help the poor. His early years in one to aspire to lead.” Whether as Naga City Mayor Naga were formative in this respect. According to or DILG Secretary, Jesse always got his feet wet, was Aceron and Isaac, Robredo grew up and became on the ground first, and showed by example what friends with poor children coming from a nearby service and leadership meant. In this way, he was a urban poor community. This experience “opened leader who inspired. his eyes to the sharp division between the rich and the poor.” Jesse told the authors: A reformer’s life Lumaki ako na ang mga kaibigan ko ay mga iskwater sa likod ng bahay In his 1973 speech, Fr. Arrupe said that men and namin. Ang kasama ko sa basketball women for others must have “a firm resolve to be team mahihirap. Nag-aaral na ako sa agents of change in society; not merely resisting La Salle, ang mga kalaro ko ng unjust structures and arrangements, but actively basketball, hindi nga nag-college. undertaking to reform them.” Parang na-balance ’yung pananaw ko na may mga taong mahihirap na How accurate a description this is of the kind of kailangang tulungan. (I grew up with leader and public servant Jesse Robredo was. While my friends who were squatters living he has made many contributions as a national and at the back of our house. My basket- local official, ultimately, it is the reforms that he ball teammates were all poor. When I initiated in his various offices—when they stand was already studying in La Salle, my the test of time and political transitions—that we basketball playmates were not even will remember Jesse Robredo for. going to college. Somehow, it gave me a more balanced view that there are In Naga City, also known as “An Maogmang Lugar” poor people who needed to be (The Happy Place), Jesse reinvented its bureaucracy helped.) through a productivity improvement program. He was also instrumental in strengthening the city Lastly, under Robredo’s watch, Naga established I believe, than any department or national agency. This preferential option for the poor defined government’s participatory mechanisms by craft- the i-Governance Program that encourages ordi- Governors and mayors are the most powerful and and determined Jesse’s days as a mayor and ing the Naga City Citizens Charter as a guide- nary citizens to participate in all matters of gover- important government officials, excluding of DILG Secretary. He worked hard and book on the 130 key services being offered nance by providing a 24/7 venue for engagement course the President, who is still the most powerful demanded excellence from himself and by the local government unit (LGU). and feedback-gathering through the city website official of the land. But the capacity of local govern- from those who worked with him. and short messaging service. Access to this is made ments is still limited, and they need help, including more available through numerous cyber-schools setting directions and implementing reforms. But he did not do this because he was and cyber-barangays. a perfectionist. He did and sought Jesse Robredo was the first DILG secretary who the best because he wanted the During his stint in the DILG, short as it was, he really paid attention to local governments. Other best for the Filipino people, initiated fundamental reforms in procurement secretaries tended to concentrate on the police side especially the poor. He treated and local government administration that have of the work as it was more glamorous. But Jesse, rich and poor people alike but far-reaching consequences. true to his background, focused on local govern- clearly his heart belonged to the ments and how to make them engines for develop- poor. That was why the delivery In procurement, he brought DILG procedures into ment and vehicles for peace and justice. of basic services was so central the 21st century, making sure the process would be to him as a public official. the most transparent as possible and ensure that As in procurement, Jesse focused also on making tax money was properly spent. But more than any- LGUs more transparent, insisting on a full disclo- Jesse exemplified the servant- thing, he will be remembered for the ways he sure policy. He made disaster risk reduction a leader described by Robert K. engaged and inspired local government reforms. priority. As in Naga, the delivery of basic services Greenleaf in The Servant as and the role of local governments were central to Leader, first published in 1970. Local governments are the most critical govern- his vision. ment agencies in the country, far more important,

23 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 24 Beyond Naga city After 6 terms as Naga City mayor, Jesse knew it was In all of these, he had one consistent message, pas- time to move on. It was in this context that I got to sionately delivered: there is a solution to our prob- know him well. As Dean of the Ateneo School of lems as a country: it is good governance. “Kaya Government, I asked him to teach at the school, natin!”—we can do it—was always his final word. among others, and to go around the country to Jesse Robredo: 'If I were President...' share with other local governments his experience Kaya natin. We can all be men-and-women-for- in instituting reforms. others. We can all be like Jesse Robredo and serve by Miriam Grace A. Go the people and country, without fanfare, with He also graced many of our forums, roundtable dis- utmost sincerity, with the best that we can do. t was initially ironic, in the eyes of some fellow interviewer who knew what to ask. He recognized it cussions and executive education seminars. Later, journalists, that I couldn’t immediately type when you really came for answers, and not just to I perfunctorily get a quote. when our school facilitated the creation of the Kaya And we can make a difference. If we want to honor away a tribute to Jesse Robredo. Natin Movement, Jesse went around the country to Jesse’s memory, we must remember this and not be preach the gospel of ethical and effective gover- defeated by this sad moment. Kaya natin. NSM I practically grew up with him professionally. He Whenever he said, “O meron pa?” or “Okay na nance. August 21, 2012 was head of the League of Cities at the time the tayo?” it didn’t mean he was trying to cut short the Local Government Code was up for a first review interview. He was telling you, “If you have more since its enactment. I was a newspaper reporter questions, I’d be willing to answer them until I’ve urged by my editors to keep an eye on this sector helped you understand this issue.” that had started pushing for more powers, auto- nomy, and resources from the national govern- And how he made time. During his first term after ment. Harvard, I remember texting him at his two num- bers early in the morning to request an interview The coverage evolved into conversations over the by phone. I had forgotten that a storm had just hit years. Local governance was our common passion; Bicol, and the hours that passed without any reply good administration, both our ideal. Politics was a from him made me forget that I had even texted reality we both grappled with whenever I asked the him. Around 9 pm, he was returning the call: “Nasa practical, at times awkward, questions. Campaigns bundok kasi kami maghapon, kabababa lang, nag- and elections were a most absurd necessity we often check kami sa mga kababayan nating binagyo.” afforded to laugh about only when they were over. Another time, in 2006, I was on a tight deadline Face to face, voice calls, text messages—he would and needed a sit-down interview with him anytime answer; he had answers. Truthful. Realistic. Some- he would be in Manila. He replied late in the times pragmatic. But always—always—giving you evening when he arrived in San Juan, where he used the feeling that it’s alright, even this once, to shed to sleep over at his sister’s house, and promised to off a bit of your cynicism; that it’s not strange if squeeze me into his packed schedule the following “Our country is in dire you wrap up an interview feeling a bit hopeful for day. need of servant leaders this country, or for the countryside at least. whose sense of compassion The window turned out to be at 7 am, at Greenwich He was pleased, I can tell you, when a journalist at the Greenhills Shopping Center. I came 20 and service is truly awakened. wanted to talk about good governance—not just in minutes before schedule, because I had this sense We cannot bring the terms of vague academic concepts, but how it’s that he was the type who would arrive earlier than Philippines to lasting greatness with- introduced to a society so used to traditional poli- call time, so to speak. True enough, he came at 6:50, tics; how it’s funded in a perennially financially- apologetic that he made me wait and that he set the out leaders of this caliber working in the challenged government; how it’s sustained when interview perhaps too early in the day. government.” the dirty toes you inevitably step on would, by reflex, kick back to frustrate your efforts. But he didn’t have—and I didn’t want him—to apo- logize. Over my convenience as a journalist, I would If only time permitted, he would talk endlessly. choose anytime to honor the man’s far nobler com- Reporters would tell you, he knew an intent stu- mitment—that of finishing his business every time dent when he was talking to one. He respected an he’s in Manila within as short a time as possible, so 25 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 26 he could immediately go home to his family and former local official would be at the helm of the his constituents in Naga. DILG, were telling journalists without attribution, “Ano ba naman ’yung Naga, eh maliit lang ’yun?” Letting things slide Or I might sense the hand of some political tacti- I was affected by his death, my friends realized, as cians shoving their clients closer so they could be we sat in the conference room last Friday and the deodorized by any association with Mayor Jesse. rest of the newsroom was busy with updates on his They who used to brand him haughty every time he wake in Malacañang. Quickly, one’s “DILG Queen, said honest and efficient management of public bakit di ka nagsusulat?” changed to “Wala na ang affairs was possible if the leader really wanted it. tatay mo...” (We often referred to close and regular sources in terms of family members.) Or I might hear some folks saying he would’ve been the best president or senator we could have had. “Umiyak ka ba, Miss Gigi?” asked another. I did, as They who, I’m sure, mostly didn’t appreciate what soon as I knew from the initial details of the crash he was doing, because the last time his name was that only a miracle would render him alive. floated in surveys, only 0.8% intended to vote him to the Senate. The next day, while I still hoped for a miracle for Mayor Jesse (I never got to progress to calling him Then I would’ve turned into the nasty version of “Secretary”), my prayers already focused on his myself toward these bandwagoners. And Mayor family. This was a family that was raised to be Jesse—I could imagine if I brought up such issues in Before the era of budget airfares, the politics of these so-called And there went the news room unaffected by the trappings of influence and our conversations—would’ve chuckled to say, “I get he rarely traveled to Manila by allies are not as straight as yours, joke, “Nabukulan si Robredo.” power, shielded from material comfort and brag- your point,” acknowledged that some of my obser- plane, even if he was on official right? ging rights that connection to city hall could’ve vations were valid, and gone on to try to make me business—he didn’t want to strain He didn’t mind. Maybe he afforded them. I thought, we were only missing a broaden my perspective. the city government’s budget, so And Mayor Jesse would say: expected it. Early on in the good public servant; Attorney Leni, Aika, Patricia, he preferred to travel by land. Maybe, but by standing by your campaign, he made clear to party and Jillian were losing their devoted family man. He would say, there are things you let slide or learn principles, you would’ve earned officials that, being Bicolano— to live with, as long as your core principles remain On the day his plane crashed and their respect, and they wouldn’t and, I’m sure, because he By Monday night, the 20th, my prayer was for his intact, because there are things you had set out to his two older daughters were attempt to ask you to compro- subscribed to the same brand of body to at least be recovered—that would be a big accomplish. rushing home to Naga to be with mise. politics—he was going to support help in the family’s healing. In the morning of their mother and youngest sister, the presidential bid of Raul Roco, Tuesday, I got a text message that his remains were One car, by installment I realized nothing had changed. In 1998, a presidential election De Venecia’s opponent. found. I felt numb, took hours to tweet a prayer for The girls were taking the bus year, I snuck into a closed-door the family, and decided to shut out any more news But, tell me, Mayor Jesse, did you really think most from Manila and were expected to meeting of Lakas, where they The arrangement he proposed, for the day. of these pampered politicians understood “modest” arrive at the province by 4 am the appealed to local candidates not because he still officially when they expressed admiration for your family’s following day yet. to junk standard-bearer Joe de belonged to Lakas, was that, even I was afraid I’d come across some politicians who way of life? Venecia (JDV). The politicians if he wouldn’t endorse JDV, he would tell us what a big loss Mayor Jesse’s death “Hindi tayo makakapagsalita para were called to a room, by region, would make all the necessary would be to our quest for good and transparent The Robredos have lived in a sort of a townhouse, sa iba, ayaw nating magkumpara,” and were given big envelopes. preparations for the sorties that governance. They who made themselves scarce without a lawn or hall for people’s day gatherings I could almost predict Mayor Jesse Mayor Jesse was among the first, the Lakas candidates planned in when he needed firm and unequivocal support to that’s staple in local politicians' residences. (To keep would say. And then he would tell if not the first, to leave the place. his area. automatically bag the Department of the Interior people from lining up outside his house for various you he’s just raising his family the and Local Government (DILG) appointment, be concerns, Mayor Jesse would have early breakfast way his parents did—no sense of What did you get in the envelope? If he were any other party confirmed right away, and get to exercise full and head for city hall before office hours.) entitlement, enjoying only what I asked him the following day. member, I was pretty sure the authority over the entire department and its you worked hard for, making a Posters, campaign paraphernalia Lakas leadership would’ve attached agencies. They didn’t have many cars; in fact, they only had difference wherever you find for distribution, he said. Uh-oh, subjected him to disciplinary one at a time, at least before he became a Cabinet yourself in, giving back because the other politicians got action. But then, this was some- Or I might see some local officials extolling him for member. I remember him proudly recounting years life has been good to you. campaign funds—some even body whom they never caught Naga’s best practices that could be widely replicated ago how he sold his old car so he could get a Mer- complaining how one got more saying one thing and doing across the country. They who, instead of instinc- cedes van that’s big enough for the whole family— Okay, sir, but we both know that than the others. another, so they let him be. tively and collectively welcoming the first time a he was paying for it by installment over 5 years. 27 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 28 Clamor for Leni: A replay ‘If I were President...’ The political significance of the Leni would’ve a career apart During the 2010 campaign, when Mayor Jesse was date when his body was found from his very public job. minding Noynoy Aquino’s networking with local wasn’t lost on me. As soon as I got officials, I was tempted to ask him: How can you the text in the morning of August So Mayor Jesse’s drawing stand this candidate who, when asked about local 21, I started to fear that people, power—his vote share averaged government issues, had nothing to say but, “Pag- either overwhelmed by their love at 80% every election—was aaralan ho natin ’yan?” for Mayor Jesse or desperate to instead thrown behind local clinch an elusive additional partymates in the two times he But I didn’t want to dampen his hopes. The Liberal senatorial seat for the ruling party, reached his term limit, in 1998 Party, to which he now belonged, had assured him would egg on Mrs. Robredo to run and in 2010. of the DILG portfolio if Noynoy won. And I was for the Senate. sure he wasn’t after it for the clout or the fame. “If I were President... I don’t know if anything has Genuinely, he wanted to be in a position to intro- I will drastically change Which crafty political strategist the allocation of government changed since that merienda duce—even impose in a subtle, perfectly legal, way— wouldn’t be itching to point out, that a friend and I had with good, transparent, efficient administration in local resources to favor local governments. I will make LGU and exploit, the parallelisms? Mayor Jesse in 2009 at Chocolate governments across the country. leaders accountable to their Twenty-nine years ago, Ninoy Kiss on Roces. Explaining why constituents in a measurable Aquino, hero, died August 21. Attorney Leni wasn’t going to be I didn’t even think it was some conscious “I’ll prove way.” Sympathetic public swept his coaxed into seeking electoral that the Naga way is possible anywhere else” effort; widow to the presidency. (Bonus, office, he said: “May sariling he just wanted this chance to do good on a larger bonus, their son is now president, buhay ang misis ko. Hindi ’yan scale the way he knew best. too!) That widow president gave asawa lang ng mayor. Alam niya Jesse his break in government ang gusto niyang gawin.” In April 2006, Newsbreak asked him to complete when he was 29 years old. He was this sentence: “If I were President...” He replied, confirmed dead last August 21. On that note, he would’ve put an almost instantly that you knew he had thought this Now, as I was starting to write this end to all these trial balloons over before: “I will drastically change the allocation piece, news was being tweeted: today and asked us: “O meron of government resources to favor local govern- “Leni Robredo for senator? Why pa? Okay na tayo?” ments. I will make LGU leaders accountable to their not?” constituents in a measurable way.” And I would’ve answered, I think Clamor to run for public office is that would be all, sir. That last part, he was able to do as DILG chief. I not something new to Attorney remember him stressing that any program, any Leni. The first time Mayor Jesse #Salamat Jesse. NSM platform, had to have “clear milestones” because reached his term limit in 1998, August 27, 2012 they would give your constituents, your clientele, a supporters were afraid that the sense of security where all these efforts were going. reforms he instituted in Naga Like in a campaign, he said, “We didn’t just say we would be undone if somebody not would address the flooding problem. We him would take over city hall. They identified which streets we would fix when.” wanted his wife. I realized how single-minded he had be- come about this whole thing. He stood She refused—instantly, firmly. The pat even when the President insulted position, the Robredos believed, him with this illegal move of limiting was not something up to be his authority to just the local govern- inherited; they didn’t have a monopoly on it. Leni gave her ment half of the department, and ñ reserving the interior half for Noynoy’s services pro bono to Nague os as shooting buddy. Because there were bigger her way of supporting her hus- things that just had to be done. band’s administration. If he were not mayor, Jesse said, Attorney

29 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 30 That he served quietly, but effectively, and without a emulate the practice and character of the late public communications unit to publicize his deeds. servant. Indeed, a person’s societal value shows at the time of death. JESSE M. ROBREDO I would conclude that Secretary Robredo is the Philip- pines’ modern-day Ramon Magsaysay, the well-loved This was witnessed in the Philippines when President 7th President of the Philippines referred to in the na- Ramon Magsaysay, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Jaime Cardinal A modern-day Magsaysay tive country’s history as “man of the masses,” who, like Sin, President Cory Aquino, and most recently, Robredo, also died of airplane crash in 1957. Secretary Jesse M. Robredo left their beloved country and people. (Ironically, the late Sec. Robredo received Asia’s coun- terpart of Europe’s Nobel Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay p Award for Government Service in 2000 after three terms as mayor of Naga City.) Now that the widely-loved Secretary Jesse M. Robredo had been laid to rest, there is one piece of information, I According to news accounts about Sec. Robredo and my consider important, that I failed to write last week memory of the late President Magsaysay, the two were because I did not know then. similar in many ways, especially in humility and in advocacy of simple living. I’d like to share it with our readers now with modesty.

by Manuel Caballero Both practiced servant leadership. My good friend, Sonny Aguiling, informed us that the late secretary and his wife, Atty. Leni Robredo, were ’ll write something I have not written before. Both wore slippers (tsinelas) as they visited their active members of Couples for Christ (CFC). I don’t know if such attention and kindness were rou- constituents in the barrios. I tine for this president to do. This was later confirmed by a written statement from Both paid genuine attention to the needs of the masses. the International Council of CFC in Manila. I will praise President Benigno Aquino III. Perhaps, there was some self reproach because of evi- dent misjudgment on the ability of Secretary Robredo Both gave true meaning to public position as a position In fact, Bro. Jesse (that’s how we address fellow CFC I will laud Mr. Aquino for the manner he looked after to lead his department as evidenced by non-confirma- of public trust. male members) used to be a coordinator of Youth for his subordinate, Secretary Jesse M. Robredo and the tion (up to his death) of the secretary’s appointment, by Christ or YFC in Naga, one of the family ministries of family he left behind, from the time of the grim news the Commission on Appointments, which, the Presi- Both died in the prime of their usefulness to society: CFC. of the Sec’s airplane crash up to interment day. dent could have swayed had he used his influence over Magsaysay was 50, Robredo was 54. its members. I’m proud to know that, being a coordinator myself of Twelve days in the life of a nation’s president, who p Servants of the Lord (SOLD) in New Jersey, another CFC virtually did nothing else, but paid close attention to his Or remorse, for not mentioning Secretary Robredo’s family ministry composed of single men over 40 who departed subordinate and appointed a Chief Justice of name when, one by one, Mr. Aquino praised members Now, about the fine women Sec. Robredo left behind. are supposed to be matured. (LOL!) the Supreme Court. of his cabinet during his latest State of the Nation Ad- dress last July. The grace, dignity and simplicity of appearance of the As I always joke, we are called SOLD for short, but we From supervising the search and rescue operation, to three Robredo daughters (Aika, Tricia and Jillian) and are all for sale. retrieval; to flying personally to the family twice, to All those are water under the bridge. his wife (Atty. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo) as seen by inform and update them of the search, and on second us on television and computer during the entire week of Unlike Bro. Jesse, though, I don’t go to confession two time, to inform them of the sad news; to declaring six Be those reasons as they may, still, I will commend the celebrating the life of Secretary Jesse Robredo in Manila to three times a month, as revealed by his wife in an days of national mourning; to ordering flying of flags Commander-in-Chief for the utmost care he showed to and in Naga showed us how the family was reared and interview. at half-mast; to offering a at Libingan ng the Robredos and to the countless Filipinos who poured shaped by the late model public servant and family mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) to the family who po- out their love and sympathy for the departed cabinet man. Seriously, this CFC membership of the Robredos partly litely refused; to personally overseeing preparations for member. explains to me the character that Bro. Jesse manifested the transport and arrival of the corpse for two days of One way to remember this man is, as correctly proposed as a loving father and husband, as well as a public wake in the presidential palace and its return trip to The extraordinary show of love by Filipinos from all by a genuine Nagueño, Fiorel Salvo (Naga born but now servant, shaped and guided by faithfulness to God. Naga City; and for attending the interment. walks of life to Secretary Robredo and the family he left lives in New Jersey), to the Naga City Council, is to erect behind was beyond one’s imagination nor expectation. a monument of the late secretary in front of Naga City Even the refined behavior of the children that we saw Above all, I praise this President’s order to his Commu- Hall, which Sec. Robredo served as mayor for three on television were “very much CFC.” nications Department to cover all wake and interment It only pointed out to one thing: that the late public ser- consecutive terms. activities by live stream so they could be seen by vant walked the talk. (There is a culture of distinct behavior in CFC. But, I Filipinos everywhere around the world on the Internet. Or the establishment of an award by a private entity in must admit after eight years as member, I’m still trying I watched them daily last week from my study room in That he did the right things. the native country to be called the Jesse M. Robredo to adapt totally to its beautiful culture. As the song New Jersey. Award, which shall be given to Filipinos who will goes, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble...”). NSM 31 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 32 Niel, who graduated salutatorian from Tabuco in Zamboanga City when Robredo visited near the Elementary School, valedictorian from Naga City area. But Robredo responded saying: “Kung oras ko Science High School and Magna Cum Laude with na, oras ko na.” (If it’s my time, so be it). distinction in Accountancy and Achievement Award from the Ateneo de Naga University, is now “He respected me as a mother and I treated him like JMR: one of the trusted employees of the reputable Sycip, a son,” recalled Bacares who is popularly called Ina Champion of the masses, Gorres and Velayo (SGV) accounting firm. (mother) who used to tell him that she was ready to cherished gem of the poor take an assassin’s bullet just to save him. “Mas by Jason B. Neola Tia Teresing admitted that Robredo had supported dakol pa kaya siyang marhay na magigibo sa iba Managing Editor, NSM Niel all the way up to high school and college and mientras na ako gurang na.” (He can still help so until the time he took the licensure examinations many others while I am already old). for Certified Public Accountants in October, 2011. “Jesse was a likable person as he made everyone feel ne of the first things that Jesse Manalastas have less in life opened many opportunities to the She said Robredo was always there for Niel “like a comfortable with him. In spite of his status and Robredo did when he assumed office as Nagueños, especially the masses and those in the light at the end of the tunnel, who never abandoned popularity, he remained to be approachable and O us” even after he was appointed secretary of the accommodating and always available to respond to City Mayor of Naga in 1988 was to spear- urban poor communities. head a massive cleanup drive along Department of the Interior and Local Government. any call for help if ever he was in the city,” she with his coworkers in City Hall and ‘Light at the tunnel’s end’ Lalas, federation president of the Family Welfare added. supporters in the city’s 27 barangays. “The public never Club of Naga, an organization composed mainly of thought that the “Jesse was not the usual government single parents, also lauded Robredo for his unwa- Like in other barangays, Robredo was thanked for man who started The effort made the public realize that official who only does his mandated vering support to the organization’s livelihood the speedy installation of public faucets in urban his public life by projects. poor areas which he began to undertake when he the 27-year-old political neophyte was spearheading a tasks and stops there. He was results- more focused on doing his job than herd that swept the oriented. He always saw to it that was just first elected as City Mayor. He is also enjoying the privileges that the law has streets of garbage every work he performed would bring ‘My beloved mayor’ remembered by the urban poor for his Special accorded to the country’s duly elected in the city he called good results even if it would require Program for Employment of Students (SPES), local chief executives like him. Maogmang Lugar him to go beyond the limitations of For 72-year-old community leader Nelly Bacares of which provides summer jobs for youths and (Happy Place) the rules,” said 56-year-old Teresita Barangay Sta. Cruz, Robredo was not only a politi- students from poor families. His less than 5-minute inaugural would be hailed by (Tia Teresing) Lalas of Barangay cal ally, but a “kapamilya” whom she said was more speech when he was first sworn into the entire nation Triangulo. than willing to serve not only within the sphere of Ina concluded her story about her beloved mayor office as city mayor 24 years ago for his good his public ministry but in his personal life as well. by saying that Robredo was a gift by God to his promised reforms in the operations of governance.” Tia Teresing, an urban poor commu- Ina also remembered telling him that she was not generation which is “lucky enough to have seen and the local government with emphasis on nity resident, said she came to know happy about his work as DILG secretary after the interacted with him who lived as a people’s person the management of the city’s garbage disposal more about Robredo when he enlisted her son Niel news broke out last year about a bombing incident and a true public servant.” system. in Sanggawadan, a brainchild of Robredo that provides support to parents, allowing their “Sa aga mismo, magiging malinig an ciudad kan children to focus on their education thru Naga (You can expect a clean city of Naga tomor- incentives like free school supplies and rice, based row),” Robredo said in his speech as he assured the on their actual attendance in school. public that he was ridding the city streets of LALAS: “Farewell to a very garbage and other litter that made almost all dear family friend.” corners of Naga then, especially the Naga City Public Market, stink. Niel in his workstation at Robredo’s early show of level-headedness at work the accounting firm SGV. than being eager beaver to enjoy the privileges and benefits of the powers-that-be elicited admiration from his constituents. BACARES: “Jess respected me It couldn’t be denied that Robredo’s management as a mother and I treated him whose priorities had favored those who like a son.”

33 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 34 Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies, August 31, 2000, Manila, Philippines ‘Wind beneath our wings’ 2. To develop a sense of responsibility among urban poor beneficiaries and for them to JESSE M. ROBREDO MAGSAYSAY AWARD CITATION If there’s one thing that residents of Maogma appreciate gainful work; t is sad but true. Democratic government is not the people. By enlisting the support and active assis- Village in Barangay Balatas will be missing about 3. To promote employment and improve the necessarily good government. Too often, elections tance of Naga's NGOs and citizens, he improved public Robredo, it was his enormous passion to help make economic usefulness of family members of I yield power to the few, not the many. Injustices services dramatically. He established day-care centers life in the urban poor communities better. homelot beneficiaries, and; linger beneath the rhetoric of equality. Corruption and in each of Naga's twenty-seven districts and added five 4. To prevent beneficiaries from mortgaging, incompetence go on and on. Voters, alas, do not always new high schools. He built a public hospital for low- So says Analyn San Diego, village president, whose selling or otherwise disposing their homelots choose wisely. And yet, in Asia and the world at large, income citizens. He set up a dependable twenty-four- high regards for the man as champion of the urban due to their inability to pay their amortization much is at risk when democracy founders, because hour emergency service. He constructed a network of poor will never wilt or become weak, and whose thus defeating the purpose of the Kaantabay sa democracy is the hope of so many. Jesse Manalastas farm-to-market roads and provided clean and reliable guidance and counseling have made the sector even Kauswagan Program. Robredo entered Philippine politics at a time when water systems in Naga's rural communities. He stronger as indispensable partner of urban develop- hope was high. As mayor of Naga City from 1988 to launched programs for youth, farmers, laborers, ment. The public never thought that 1998 he demonstrated that democratic government women, the elderly, and the handicapped—drawing the man who started his public can also be good government. thousands into civic action in the process. No civic deed They remember Robredo as a life by spearheading a herd that was too small, he told the people, including the simple public official who sees the swept the streets of garbage in In the wake of his country's People Power Revolution in act of reporting a broken street lamp. He sometimes poor as a productive sector of the city he called Maogmang 1986, Jesse Robredo responded to President Corazon swept the streets himself. society and the strength of his Lugar (Happy Place) would be Aquino's call to public service. He abandoned his administration in the achieve- hailed by the entire nation for executive position at San Miguel Corpora- Consistently, Robredo prioritized the needs ment of progress and develop- his good governance. NSM tion to head the Bicol River Basin of the poor. Through his Kaantabay sa ment. Development Program in Naga, his Kauswagan (Partners in Development) hometown. In 1988, he stood for program, over forty-five hundred She says aside from the city’s election as mayor and won by a once-homeless families moved to Kaantabay sa Kauswagan slim margin. He was twenty-nine. home-lots of their own. They (Partners in Development) Urban poor leaders Analyn San Diego became part of Naga's revival. So Program, a socialized housing and Angela Once the queen city of the Bicol did a revitalized city government. Rodriguez. program established in 1997 region, Naga in 1989 was a Applying techniques from busi- by the City Government of dispirited provincial town of ness, Robredo raised perfor- Naga, Robredo has been lauded 120,000 souls. Traffic clogged its mance, productivity, and morale by the sector for institutiona- tawdry business district and vice among city employees. As a culture of lizing the Bayadnihan syndicates operated at will. City services excellence overtook the culture of program. were fitful at best. Meanwhile, thousands of mediocrity at City Hall, Naga's businesses squatters filled Naga's vacant lands, despite the dearth doubled and local revenues rose by 573 percent. The Bayadnihan program is a of jobs in the city's stagnant economy. Indeed, Naga's homelot acquisition scheme The Maogma Village Subdivision in Barangay revenues were so low that it had been downgraded Reelected without opposition in 1995, Robredo urged which can be availed by the urban poor Balatas is one of 64 urban poor communities in Naga City which was established by Gawad officially from a first-class to a third-class city. the Naga City Council to enact a unique Empowerment beneficiaries to settle their lot amortizations thru Kalinga and Habitat in partnership with then Ordinance. This created a People's Council to institu- City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo. participation in the implementation of the city’s Robredo began with a strike against patronage. He in- tionalize the participation of NGOs and people's organi- infrastructure projects, their maintenance, or by troduced a merit-based system of hiring and promo- zations in all future municipal deliberations. When rendering frontline services. tion and reorganized city employees on the basis of obliged by law to step down after his third term, the aptitude and competence. He then moved against local popular Robredo made no effort to entrench his family. Conceptualized by Robredo himself and sponsored vice lords, ridding Naga of gambling and smut. Next, His advice to would-be leaders? “You have to have in the Sangguniang Panlungsod by former City he relocated the bus and jeepney terminals outside the credibility.” Councilor Simeon Adan, the program was created city center, ending gridlock and spurring new enter- thru Ordinance 2001-078 with the following prises at the city's edge. In partnership with business, In electing Jesse Robredo to receive the 2000 Ramon objectives: he revitalized Naga's economy. Public revenues rose Magsaysay Award for Government Service, the board of 1. To provide an opportunity to urban poor benefi- and by 1990 Naga was a first-class city again. Robredo's trustees recognizes his giving credence to the promise ciaries to work for and apply their earnings for the constituents took heart and reelected him. of democracy by demonstrating that effective city settlement of their homelot amortization management is compatible with yielding power to the payments and thus ensure transfer of ownership of Spurning bodyguards, Robredo moved freely among people. NSM the homelots to their rightful beneficiaries; 35 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 36 THE QUEZON SERVICE CROSS

REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS The Quezon Service Cross (Filipino: Krus ng Serbisyo ni Quezon) is the highest national recognition of the Republic of the Philip- Be it known to all men by these presents: pines. It has been awarded to only five Filipinos since its creation by T.J. Burgunio | November 26, 2012 For embodying the values and principles every Filipino should in 1946. aspire for. His tenure as Mayor of Naga City showed the whole nation a brand of public service that was fueled by humility, The award was created by Joint Resolution No. 4 dated October 21, selflessness, and dedication. The way he improved Naga City 1946 of the 1st Congress of the Philippines. A joint resolution of earned him the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Good Governance in the Congress of the Philippines has the force of law. The Quezon For his life work, which showed all our countrymen 2000, making him the first Filipino Mayor to Service Cross is a decoration conferred by the President of the “ receive the award. More than that, he showed his city, his region, Philippines with the concurrence of the Congress of the Philip- how true public servants must act--with the Filipino and the entire nation how local governance is supposed to work. pines on Filipino citizens for “exemplary service to the nation in For remaining faithful to his advocacy of true transformative such a manner and such a degree as to add great prestige to the people always foremost in mind, regardless of change as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. He Republic of the Philippines, or as to contribute to the lasting His Benigno S. Aquino III began a virtuous cycle in the Department of the Interior and Local benefit of its people.” personal cost or danger” President, Republic of the Philippines Government. He established a full disclosure policy, and awarded seals of good housekeeping to local Nominations for the Quezon Service Cross need to state the governments that performed well. services meriting the award and are made only in cases where the service performed or contribution made can be measured on the President Benigno Aquino III on Monday con- “By conferring him the award, we are recognizing For his life work, which showed all our countrymen how scale established by what the joint resolution terms “the true public servants must act— with the Filipino people always benefaction” of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, after whom foremost in mind, regardless of personal cost or danger. ferred the Quezon Service Cross on late Interior his contributions to the new spring of the republic the decoration is named. Secretary Jesse Robredo for his exemplary service that we are now experiencing,’’ Aquino said in his That I, to the country. speech during the rites in Malacanang.~ The Quezon Service Cross was proposed by President Manuel Benigno S. Aquino III, Roxas. It is also referred to as the Congressional Quezon Service President of the Philippines Cross, as conferment requires the approval of the Congress of the Philippines and is seldom awarded. The Quezon Service Cross is the highest award the Robredo’s wife Leni, joined by their three daugh- by virtue of Senate Resolution No. 125, series of 2012 and House republic could bestow on a Filipino for exemplary ters, accepted the award from the President. Resolution No. 281, series of 2012, pursuant to the Honors Code Only five Filipinos have been conferred this decoration: of the Philippines and Joint Resolution No. 4, series of 1946 service to the country “in such a manner and de- She said her family would “forever be grateful that have conferred the Quezon Service Cross Carlos P. Romulo, April 12, 1951 gree as to add prestige to the Philippines or to con- he has not been forgotten.’’ She said that for Emilio Aguinaldo, June 12, 1956 tribute to the lasting benefit of its people.’’ Robredo to join the company of Romulo, on Ramon Magsaysay, July 4, 1957 (posthumous) Aguinaldo, Magsaysay and Aquino was “truly a Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., August 21, 2004 (posthumous) The award was conferred with the concurrence of huge honor.’’ Jesse M. Robredo Jesse M. Robredo, November 26, 2012 (posthumous) the Senate and the House of Representatives on the For exemplary service to the nation in such a manner and such a degree as to add great prestige to the Republic of the Philippines 100th day since Robredo perished in a plane crash “Jesse always believed that good governance can be in the waters off Masbate on Aug . 18. the conclusion to our unfinished revolution. This Done in the City of Manila revolution can be achieved in this administration This 26th day of November With the posthumous award, Robredo joined the under a President who leads his people under a in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twelve ranks of Carlos P. Romulo, Emilio Aguinaldo, the ‘daang matuwid’ (straight and narrow path),’’ she late President Ramon Magsaysay and the late Sen. said. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., former awardees. Atty. Leni G. Robredo and family after accepting the posthumous Quezon Service Cross award for the late DILG Sec. Jesse M. Robredo. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Jesse M. Robredo, the fifth recipient of the Quezon Service Cross In the Order of Precedence of Philippine Honors and State Decorations, the Quezon Service Cross is the top recognition a Filipino can receive from the Republic. It is unique in that the President nominates individuals (limited to Filipino citizens only), but the nomination must be approved by Congress.

37 THINGS I LEARNED FROM SEC. JESSE ROBREDO

met Secretary Jesse Robredo in 2001 at an by Harvey S. Keh event organized by Synergeia Founda- I tion, one of the country’s more effective institutions in improving our public Sec. Robredo showed that he was a man who stood 5 ways Filipinos can continue education system. up for what he believed in even if he knew that majority were no longer with him. In the 2004 the legacy of Jesse Robredo Since then, Sec. Robredo has become one of the elections, he chose to support the late Senator Raul by Harvey S. Keh people I have looked up to for advice. His effective Roco believing that he would make a good brand of leadership has been a constant source of President for our country even if surveys showed s the New Year begins and our country 2. Know the duties and responsibilities inspiration for me. that Roco had a slim chance of winning. enters another election year, many of our government officials A Filipinos continue to long for the As such, I wanted to share the things that I have Standing up and holding on to their own principles kind of “tsinelas” leadership that the late Do you know the duties and responsibilities of your learned through the years that I worked with him: is something that is clearly lacking in many of our DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo practiced in his Councilor or Vice Mayor? Chances are like many I learned that there are still people like him who leaders today. Our present-day leaders would more than 20 years in government service. Filipinos, you don’t. How can we demand better remain ethical despite being in government support issues or people that would promote their Hopefully, we will demand this same kind of service or accountability from our government service. Many people dissuaded me from entering own interests. leadership when we discern who to support officials if we don’t even know what we need to government service, telling me that no one and vote for in the coming 2013 elections. expect from them? Thus, as good citizens, we need survives the current system of pervasive graft and One of the most important lessons I learned from to understand and educate ourselves about the corruption. Sec. Robredo showed that one need not Sec. Robredo is the simplicity of his way of life. In order for this to happen, all of us must do our roles and responsibilities of our government compromise his or her values and principles to be Mention the word “politician’’ and large houses and own small share towards promoting good gover- officials and their respective offices. able to govern and deliver basic services to the expensive cars would come to mind. But after being nance and leadership with integrity in our country. people in an effective manner. the mayor of Naga, a first class city, for six terms, Recently, the Ateneo School of Government, Kaya he continued to live in a very simple home. Here are some simple and practical ways that Natin! Movement and the Friedrich Naumann When I asked him what was his secret for being ordinary Filipinos can do to help continue the Foundation (FNF) launched Gov 101: A New steadfast in his values, he told me that his faith in I remember one time when we met in my office in legacy of Jesse Robredo. Voter’s Guide to the Philippine Government, a God and his family are his main foundations, and and I saw him taking a cab, without booklet that describes what services we can expect this is the second lesson that I learned from him. any bodyguards, to reach our office. I was quite 1. Vote and participate in our elections from our government officials. surprised since I was used to seeing politicians with In a society where we hear of politicians having their big cars, blaring sirens and their throngs of Billions of pesos are lost every year due to graft and 3. Give your time to volunteer for clean several wives and families, we have someone like bodyguards. corruption in our government. These funds can and honest elections Sec. Robredo who had put premium on his being a easily provide adequate housing to the homeless, loyal husband and a loving father who devoted Among all of these lessons, I think what Sec. social health insurance to the poor and college Unfortunately, our country has been known as time to his three daughters. Robredo has shown me is that there is still much to scholarships to our youth. It is therefore important having elections which are often marred by hope for in our country if we have more principled that we choose the right leaders for our country, rampant cheating, vote-buying and electoral fraud. I remember a time when he failed to attend one of leaders like him who will continue to deliver proper and this begins by performing our duty as Sadly, this has discouraged many good and well- our Kaya Natin! Caravan of Good Governance services to the people and will always put the responsible Filipino citizens to vote, support and meaning Filipinos from running for public office. events in the province since his daughter sought his interests of our country above his or her own campaign for effective, ethical and empowering help for her school project. Many politicians would interests. NSM leaders every elections. Due to limited resources, our Commission on jump at the chance to speak before thousands of Elections (COMELEC) cannot ensure that it will be students but Sec. Robredo chose to be with his August 25, 2012 daughter who needed him during that time.

39 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 40 able to police all corners of our country thus, we 5. Volunteer and participate in organiza- GABRIEL BORDADO: Down to earth as a need to support and volunteer for organizations tions that promote nation-building The simple lifestyle of Jesse Robredo Mayor. Wala siyang mga ere-ere. Wala such as the National Movement for Free Elections by Natashya Gutierrez siyang mga cordon sanitaire. Very approachable. But at the same time, very (NAMFREL) and the Parish Pastoral Council for As you have seen in the life of Jesse Robredo, he was intense sa trabaho niya. Responsible Voting (PPCRV) that help ensure clean not only involved in the promotion of good Tsinelas, shorts and a simple t-shirt... This was the and honest elections in our country. governance but also in other advocacies close to his favorite get-up of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo. When When Robredo became DILG secretary, he main- heart such as public education reform and uplifting tained his modest lifestyle. Hopefully, this will help more leaders like the late the quality of life of persons with disabilities. You Robredo died, he was among the country's highest ranking officials. Jesse Robredo to be elected in our country. can also help continue his legacy by making time to He came home on weekends to be with his family… share your resources and volunteer as well for But he returned home every week to his simple life a humble 3-storey home in Barangay Dayangdang. 4. Keep yourself informed and take a organizations or institutions such as Kaya Natin!, in Naga City, where he was happiest. stand on issues concerning our country Synergeia Foundation and for Peace He biked everywhere around the city, and went to that aim to do their own small share in nation- LENI ROBREDO: Naga has always been mass every Sunday at the tiny open-air barangay In this age where information has become very building. his home. He always tells me this is his church two streets away before returning to accessible due to the internet and mobile happy place. Malacañang for the week. technology, there is no excuse for us not to know If every Filipino will make time to volunteer in a what is happening in our country. Make time to Robredo and his 4 siblings grew up in a simple A true son of Naga, Robredo was a faithful devotee particular advocacy that they feel strongly about to the Virgin of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol. read the newspaper and listen to the news regularly then our country would be able to solve so many of house in Barangay Tabuco, where his parents still live today. to understand the different socio-economic and its social problems. We have to realize that govern- Friends and neighbors remember Robredo as political issues that are currently being discussed or ment alone will not be able to solve all our He went to Naga Parochial for grade school, a generous and always smiling. debated upon. Aside from this, make your own problems, we need to also do our own share as private , where he is remembered as stand known about these issues by using the power citizens to move our country towards the kind of one of the role models. LENI ROBREDO: I wasn’t surprised when of social media such as Facebook or Twitter. future that we want to attain. I opened the body bag, he was still wear- During his wake, 5th and 6th graders from the ing his DILG uniform. In a strong democratic society, it is the true will of Hopefully, the leadership and sacrifices made by school traveled to the Archbishop’s palace to say the people that should be followed and if we don't the late Jesse Robredo will not just be a feel good goodbye. When Jess was still Mayor of Naga, we both worked do our own share to express our views, insights and story for every Filipino but it will hopefully inspire hard in making sure the children did not feel a opinions then we will always be dictated upon by each one of us to do our own small share towards LENI ROBREDO: I know he would shy sense of entitlement. the selfish interests of a few. working together for a better future for every away from excessive praise. He might find all the fuss, pomp and pageantry a little Naga's favorite son stayed humble Filipino. NSM uncomfortable. despite his accomplishments… January 4, 2013 to many Filipinos, a life But in the words of his wife, it is a worth emulating. NSM fitting celebration to a life well-lived.. August 29, 2012

41 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 42 For the most part, Robredo remained largely apo- litical until August 1983, when opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr. was gunned down as he was stepping out of an airplane. Two days after the assassination, Robredo queued outside the Aquino home in Quezon City to pay his respects to a fallen PROFILE OF A MAYOR hero. With that simple act of defiance, Robredo soon found himself marching along Ayala Avenue, joining thousands of Filipinos calling for the ouster of and the restoration of democracy in the country. by Francis Isaac and Joy Aceron After EDSA 1, Robredo returned to Naga, and in Naga’s long-time Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado This article is based on a chapter from the book, “Frontline Leadership: April 1986 was appointed executive director of the claims that Robredo’s ability to find solutions is Stories of 5 Local Chief Executives” published by the Ateneo School of Bicol River Basin Development Program (BRBDP). due to his result-oriented attitude and his Government and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in 2007. A former employee of San Miguel Corp., Robredo “scientific way of approaching problems.” quickly brought a new sense of dynamism to BRBDP by infusing management principles and His wife Leni, on the other hand, attributes this to ANILA, Philippines - At 35 years old, Not expecting such a reaction from the mayor of a techniques he had learned from the corporate her late husband’s uncanny use of logic to convince Jonathan Chua is already a veteran of bustling urban center, Robredo’s words caught world and from his masteral studies in business people. “Sa mga problema, mabilis siyang mag-isip M countless street demonstrations. A Left- Chua by surprise. wing radical from Caloocan, Chua had always administration (MBA) at the University of the (He can think quickly when confronted with Philippines (UP). problems),” Leni attests. treated government officials with cynicism and “Hindi ko akalain na meron pa palang matitinong suspicion, believing they are all cut from the same tao sa gobyerno (I didn’t expect to still find good Two years later, in 1988, Robredo ran for mayor Such qualities are further complemented by his cloth. people in government),” Chua quips as he recalls and narrowly won over his closest electoral oppo- “high energy level” and his hands-on approach to that incident, adding that since then, he began nent with just 947 votes. Garnering barely 24% of city management. This was witnessed firsthand by “Pare-pereho lang ang mga ‘yan,” he would often referring to Robredo as “Idol.” remark. (They’re all the same.) the total number of votes, Robredo was a minority Naga’s former city administrator Frank Mendoza. mayor with only 4 allies in the Sangguniang Such disarming simplicity is, of course, quintessen- Panlungsod (City Council). He said, “Nauuna pa siya sa bumbero kung may Chua, however, had a political metanoia in late tial Robredo. And that is perhaps the main reason sunog, baha o aksidente. 'Pag may bagyo, nasa labas 2006, when he was invited to attend a basic sectors’ why he was able to endear himself to his Undeterred, he again introduced his practice of siya, naglilinis, nagpapala. Masaya siyang gawin conference in Naga City. Before returning to constituents, and to all those who have met and corporate management—this time to City Hall. ang mga mundane tasks.” (He always arrives earlier Manila, Chua and a few others went to City Hall to worked with him throughout the years that he had Early in his term, Robredo began dismantling the than the firefighters every time there is a fire, a pay a courtesy call to then Mayor Jesse Robredo. served as Naga mayor and DILG secretary. system of political patronage by requiring all City flood or an accident. If there’s a typhoon, he's out Hall employees to undergo an aptitude test, and by on the streets cleaning and shoveling. He's quite Unaware of the Mayor’s background, the very first Late bloomer thing that caught Chua’s attention was the attire introducing a merit-based system for hiring and happy doing mundane tasks.) promotion. that Robredo wore on that day, which consisted of a Ironically, in spite of his short yet stellar political Characterizing his approach as “leadership by blue polo jacket and a pair of faded denim pants. career, no one (not even his closest family mem- example,” Vice Mayor Bordado narrates how Hoping to pull a fast one on the mayor, Chua broke bers) ever expected Robredo to enter public service. Leadership by example Robredo and the entire City Council dealt with the into a sarcastic grin and said, “Sir, ok ang suot One of his cousins even described him as a “late But apart from his superb managerial skills, destruction brought about by Typhoon Monang in natin, ah! Parang konduktor lang.” (Sir, what you're bloomer” since Robredo initially did not display Robredo also displayed his brand of hands-on 1993: wearing looks good! You look like a bus conductor.) any political inclination, nor did he perform parti- leadership by being an assiduous, no-nonsense cularly well while he was still in college and high public servant. Rising up at 5 in the morning, he All the councilors and (top) officials were cleaning school. Unperturbed, Robredo simply gave a gentle smile would depart for City Hall by 7 am and would be the darkest parts of the city. The people loved him and replied, “Oo nga, eh. Pero hindi naman ‘yan seen working at his desk until 5 pm. By combining because of that…People had to be ashamed; the In fact, Robredo shied away from politics during ang mahalaga. Ang mahalaga, ang makapaglingkod administrative knowhow with his excellent work mayor himself was cleaning the streets. So the his student days, preferring instead to spend his tayo nang tapat sa taumbayan” (That’s true. But ethic, Robredo was soon perceived by his colleagues people also worked. Even during fires, cleaning up free time playing basketball either with his neigh- that's not important. What’s important is that we as a “born problem-solver.” the river, he’s always at the forefront. The people bors or as part of the De La Salle Engineering bas- are able to serve our people with honesty and can see that. integrity.) ketball team. 43 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 44 This image of Robredo has become so iconic that kuripot, but rightfully so.” In fact, Robredo’s being outpaced the country’s GDP by 115%, while its After assuming his last post as DILG secretary, newspaper columnist and fellow Bicolano Conrado a miser has become so legendary among his fellow average household income was 42% higher than Robredo continued to exert significant influence de Quiros depicted him as a “solitary figure shovel- Nagueños that he was often jokingly referred to as the national and 126% higher than the Bicol over Naga politics. In fact, his expected endorse- ing the muck of the city.” the president of the Kuyom na Palad (Misers' average. And even at the height of the 1997 Asian ment of Bordado’s congressional bid was viewed as Foundation). economic crisis, when the rest of the country was extremely critical in giving his long-time friend Night watch experiencing economic decline, Naga was able to and ally a fighting chance to win over the chosen Though a self-confessed miser, Robredo claims enjoy a growth rate of 6.5%. candidate of the Villafuertes—Camarines Sur’s Robredo, however, was not only an excellent that this attitude of his springs from his careful dominant political clan. manager; he was also an astute politician. Once the handling of taxpayers’ money. As he once attested, But Robredo’s hometown was not always the clock ticked at 5:00 pm, he would immediately tell the entire city government strictly adheres to pro- economic dynamo that it is now. In fact, when he With Robredo’s untimely demise, Robredo’s allies his secretary, “Ang listahan” (the catalog), which cedures, issuing receipts for every conceivable first took over as mayor in 1988, Naga was a typical and supporters will surely feel the void that he has contained the list of wakes that he would have to transaction it engages in. third-class city with a budget deficit of P1 million. left since his plane went down over the waters of attend for the night. By successfully transforming Naga from provincial Masbate more than a week ago. His death will test “We will not pay for these expenses (without proper backwater to premiere city, Robredo was given the whether his team of reform-minded advocates can These evening rituals, according to Robredo, have a accounting),” Robredo explains. “Because in our highly prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for still carry on his defiant message of “Ubos kung political purpose, since they ensure his visibility to line of work, once we pay (without accounting), we Government Service in August 2000. Not surpris- Ubos! Gabos kung Gabos!” even without him, or the public and further endear him to the people. will begin to get money which doesn’t belong to us.” ingly, even his beloved City was also able to earn its whether they would allow this battle mantra to fade “Ito ‘yung traditional part ng politics,” he added. own list of citations—winning more than 140 into oblivion. (This is the traditional part of politics.) His careful attitude towards money is best summed regional, national and international awards for up in an anecdote once shared by his longtime government efficiency and people participation. Jesse Robredo has certainly left a gaping hole, not His supporters, however, are quick to emphasize colleague Frank Mendoza: One time, after only in Naga politics, but in the entire country as that there was nothing bogus or contrived in his officiating a wedding, he was given a thick envelope As Vice Mayor Bordado jokingly remarks, “Kulang well. But if Naga is to remain faithful to the display of sympathy and solicitude. Quite the containing P200,000. Nobody knew about it. When na lang URIAN at FAMAS sa list ng mga awards memory of one of its greatest sons, then it has no contrary, these were an outcome of his he got back to City Hall, he ordered that a receipt be (URIAN and FAMAS are the only ones we don't choice but to rise up to the occasion. For Bordado approachability and his natural ability to connect issued to the couple, saying that the money will be have in our list of awards).” on the other hand, he will have to face the challenge with people. In his recollection, Robredo admitted used for the construction of a new school building. of dismantling Robredo’s long-time political foes that while he was still mayor, he would attend an ‘Ubos kung Ubos! Gabos kung to prove that his friend’s life and death will con- average of 5 wakes a day, and would do so even Naga transformed gabos!’ tinue to make a difference in the country. during holidays. But despite the hand-pressing and expression of condolences, not once did he hand Unsurprisingly, Robredo’s miserliness took its toll With all that he has done for Naga, Robredo’s And Robredo, who had worked tirelessly in their out money to the bereaved. Instead, Robredo and on City Hall, one of the smallest and most grateful kababayans have repeatedly elected him behalf, would expect nothing less from his beloved his team set up a process specifically designed to dilapidated government buildings in the whole as their mayor, defeating all those who tried to Nagueños and from his fellow Filipinos. NSM provide assistance to the relatives of the deceased: . Robredo however was unfazed, saying, challenge him at the polls. With his sterling “Bakit ako gagasta ng maraming pera para sa City political record, Robredo became so influential in “Yung sa patay, ang standard niyan, pupunta ‘yan Hall? Ipapagawa ko na lang ng kalsada. Ano’ng Naga politics that since his first reelection bid in sa office, pipirma lang, may P500 sa DSWD. 'Pag returns sa pagpapaganda ng City Hall?” (Why 1993, his choices for vice mayor and councilors all pumunta ako sa patay, oras lang talaga.” should I spend so much money for City Hall? I’ll emerged victorious. just use it for road construction. What returns shall (When it comes to the deceased, the standard is, a we get from remodeling City Hall?) With his election battle cry, “Ubos kung Ubos! family member goes to the office, signs a receipt Gabos kung Gabos!” (All or Nothing), Robredo time and then receives P500 from the Department of Despite the physical condition of their office build- and again called on the electorate to allow his slate Social Welfare and Development. When I go to a ing, Robredo’s tight fiscal discipline generated a lot a clean sweep. But more than being a catchy slogan, wake, time is the only thing that I spend.) of savings for the city government. His administra- Robredo’s campaign mantra also reveals his inner tion’s policy of “fiscal prudence” and bureaucratic self: kind, humble and approachable, but one who ‘Kuyom na palad ’ efficiency also attracted numerous investors, gives no quarter when fighting trapo politics. allowing Naga to eventually outpace its longtime Robredo’s leadership style, however, had earned rival Legazpi City. As he explained in one speaking engagement, it is him quite a number of detractors who describe him not his job to be generous to his opponents. He as “kuripot” or “super-kuripot.” He, however, did In fact, after more than a decade since Robredo’s expects bad people to be smart and to fight hard; not seem to mind, replying instead that, “I may be election as mayor, Naga’s gross city product even so to defeat them, good should also fight harder.

45 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 46 The Citizens Charter The genius of Jesse Manalastas Robredo Watching that episode on Failon Ngayon! focusing by Wilfredo B. Prilles, Jr. on the Citizen’s Charter that contrasted public service delivery in Naga on the one hand, and The author started working with Mayor Jesse Robredo in 1991 as a Manila and Quezon City on the other, reinforced wide-eyed 23-year old young man. He is currently the planning and this thesis. In this light, how we came to have our development coordinator of Naga City. own Citizen’s Charter—which that TV show glossed over—needs to be told.

UGUST 21, the day his lifeless body The School Board reinvention Thanks to Republic Act 9485 or the “Anti-Red Tape was finally found was the day my wife Act of 2007,” all Philippine government offices and A and I grieved over the loss of a men- The picture below, which found its way on agencies today, including local government units tor, a friend and a leader. Facebook, is of a regular meeting of the Naga City (LGU) and government owned or controlled corpo- School Board. What inspired most commenters, rations (GOCC) should have a citizen’s charter. The Surfing the internet in between cries and sobs, including teachers who even wrote a poem about it, Charter is a guidebook that documents all frontline following links that Facebook wonderfully put is the simple snacks served in the meeting, consist- government services—breaking it down into step- Fast-forward to December 15, 2001, at the time together, tremendously eased the pain—especially ing of maruya (banana fritters) and Coke. The stark by-step procedures, the response time, and the Naga City’s Charter Day. It was a big day for us, as given the impact he had, and by extension we who contrast with how other Filipino government offi- persons responsible for each step. we had none other than the still esteemed President worked with him at Naga City Hall had, on many cials comport themselves (the Le Cirque excesses Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (well before the infa- people’s lives. easily come to mind) is palpable. But as early as 2001, six years before the ARTA mous Hello! Garci scandal ruined her) as guest of Law, Naga already had the first edition of its honor. She brought along with her Sen. Raul S. Roco In 2009, he told ANC’s Storyline: “I think the The exchanges prompted me to chime in (most of Citizen’s Charter. And while most others can only and his brother Congressman Sulpicio “Cho” Roco, Filipino culture is more EQ than IQ. We are which are in Bikol, which I took the liberty of muster one, we already have three—and counting. Jr., our former mayor who already moved up to inspired not by how smart or how intelligent our translating in English): Congress, representing the second district of leaders are. We are inspired by the kind of When Jesse M. Robredo returned to City Hall after Camarines Sur. Other political heavyweights of the character he demonstrates, the kind of feeling he “The greatness of Mayor/Sec Jess, I think, lies in his a one-term hiatus, which saw him complete his province were also there, among them House evokes from us. When the going gets tough, the ability to bridge the EQ and IQ requirements of Harvard schooling, he was looking for new ideas to Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella of Partido district. leader must be the first to face all these challenges leadership. What stands out in this thread is the implement. As a newly minted Ramon Magsaysay With these big-name personalities in attendance, and these problems..” power of leading by example in the local govern- awardee, I felt he had nothing more to prove. But who would ever pay attention to the launching of a ment, as shown by the Coke and banana fritters. for my boss, the challenge is always to “make the non-descript two-inch thick inkjet-printed docu- Looking back, I realize I was one of those privileged This is what Filipinos long to see in their leaders, best better” (which incidentally became the title for ment bound in plastic ring binder? Nobody of to see firsthand the genius of Jesse Manalastas which explains the tremendous affection and his book that my colleague Joe Perez put together). course bothered to listen when I dutifully breezed Robredo as a leader. His genius lies in seamlessly admiration they showed when Secretary Robredo through my Powerpoint—except probably my boss combining both EQ (emotional intelligence) and IQ died. Running out of options, what I offered him some- ill-at-ease with the veritable snub of his latest baby (plain or conventional intelligence) in changing time in August 2001 was one of the raw outputs of by the maddening crowd. Naga and transforming how the city government is “What is not so evident in the picture are the the USAID-funded Governance and Local Democ- run. changes he introduced in the Local School Board, racy (GOLD) Project in Naga. Piloted in five of the But after seeing our little project impact national which is a powerful government institution that 30 or so city hall departments, GOLD helped us policy, and Ted Failon praise Naga to high heavens, allocates millions of pesos to support public document one frontline service per department I can’t help but smile at the genius of Jesse schools. Unlike most others, whose members are chosen from among the ones listed in their respec- Manalastas Robredo. I can imagine him grinning limited to DepEd, the local government, parents tive Performance Pledges. The idea is to take that back at me with that patented ear to ear, squint- and teachers, the LSB in Naga has two sitting (pri- departmental pledge to the next level. He immedi- eyed wide smile of his, telling me: “Sabi ko saimo, vate school) principals from Ateneo de Naga (Mr. ately greenlighted it, which then meant growing Wil!” [“I told you so, Wil!”] NSM Greg Abonal) and UNC, and representatives from the list from five to all frontline services, whatever the chamber (of commerce) and the Naga City Peo- that entailed! Three long months later, when Mike ple’s Council. (As a result), meetings are more pro- Rico and I were done cleaning up drafts prepared by ductive, yielding better decisions. This is probably the various departments, the number eventually what Antoine de Saint-Exupéry had in mind when settled down to around 120. he said: ‘What is essential is invisible to the eye.’ ”

47 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 48 of the armed forces. Long after the media moved The reason Jesse Robredo is mourned is not only on from the story of the Italian priest who bled into because he was extraordinary, but because this is a the soil of North Cotabato, long after I had stopped country so content with the ordinary that men like asking questions and demanding answers, Jesse Robredo have no choice but to die legends. If he had The faith of Jesse Robredo Robredo was on the phone, calling past midnight, lived and continued he would have failed, again and sending text messages, asking, do you know this, again, because not even the son of God could have by Patricia Evangelista have you heard of this, does your witness know, succeeded in a country that refuses to believe in could you verify. And because I am not the sort of better. e are told that Jesse Robredo was not elections in some island off Scarborough while dry- journalist that Jesse Robredo thought I was, I never meant to be inside that plane, on that ing out his mobile phone. I thought I understood, returned to Arakan Valley, never managed to The City of Naga, said Robredo, was good not W day, at that time. His wife did not know more than most, that death very often does not verify if he was right, never found out if my witness because he was brilliant, but because Naga wanted he had boarded the 6-seater, twin-engine Piper PA- make sense. It was only when his body was found, knew this or saw that. to be brilliant, and demanded it from him. The 34 Seneca. He was expected to take a flight from 800 meters off the coast of Masbate, that I realized kind of revolution in governance that the Aquino Cebu to Manila that afternoon, and a bus to Naga I had up to that moment refused to believe that A good man administration promises would not have come to City later that night with his two daughters. Jesse Robredo was dead. pass in the term of Jesse Robredo, but he would Instead, the Piper Seneca bound for Naga took off I am better at writing about bad men, or hypocriti- have kept the faith, and the story would have at around three in the afternoon from Cebu. At I do not claim any sort of special relationship cal men, or men who believe they speak with the changed, if only by a little, through the sheer 4:40 in the afternoon, Leni Robredo finally between myself and the former mayor of Naga. voice of God. These men never disappoint, because strength of his will and his unwavering faith that managed to call her husband. He was calm, she said. Like most journalists, I have, with his permission, the bar is placed so low, and every door is usually people can do better. He said he would call her back. He never did. barged into his office, disrupted his day, assaulted the same door opening to the same senator or con- him with a barrage of questions, and reached the gressman or mayor grinning with robotic amia- But Jesse Robredo is dead, and by his death we are These were the details, and for 3 days the national same conclusion every reporter has—that the bility. Maybe the Lacoste crocodiles on their shirts diminished. I am a journalist, the stories I tell do media pushed headline after headline before an Secretary of the Interior is an unusual man. He does will vary in size, maybe the platitudes they spout not change the world, and I doubt they ever can. increasingly anxious public, each new fact adding not field questions; he answers them. He does not will occasionally contain some nugget of truth, But I promise to keep the faith, to try, to ask better another layer of proof to the possibility that the protect himself, even while he protects his own maybe they have compromised less or lied more or questions and all the questions after that, to ask my former mayor of Naga lay many feet under the people. He does not pander, he does not pretend to said today exactly what they promised yesterday witness whether he knew this or saw that even when Masbate sea. Those of us whose duty it was to tell misinterpret statements, he does not launch into never to say. Hands are shook, pleasantries are the issue is reduced to a sidebar on a human rights the story discussed Robredo’s chances, sitting in the distraction of the overblown compliment. exchanged, and little will change beyond web page. I will attempt to give the benefit of the newsrooms whose desk editors filed photos from Neither does he disappear just as the last dangerous tomorrow’s sound bite. doubt to the next man who sits in the seat Jesse reporters standing on beaches watching divers question is posed. Robredo left, and will at the same time demand surface empty-handed. We were told that every Robredo is a difficult man to write about, because from him the head of Jovito Palparan. passing hour lowered the chances of Robredo’s He will do all in his power to arrest Jovito Palparan, he is a good man, and the existence of a good man rescue. We were told the word “rescue” was already but he does not promise he will succeed. He holds demands more from those around them, including And I will tell this story, again and again, the same a euphemism for recovery. his own policemen accountable for beating protes- 26-year-old journalists who once promised to stand as I tell the stories of the bastards and the liars and tors already in custody after the bloody demolition fast. his honor the plagiarist, as proof to myself and I was aware of this, and believed myself to have at Silverio Compound, but he is unwilling to join everyone else not so much that good men die accepted it. I am a human rights reporter, the beat I the left-wing bandwagon that put the entirety of We are told many things about Jesse Robredo. They young, but that good men can live. NSM cover demands keeping a list of the dead, in my the tragedy in the hands of the Philippine National say he took the bus regularly from Manila to Naga August 28, 2012 head if nowhere else, a sort of memorial for the lost Police. In 2010 he ran to the Quirino Grandstand to City, even after he became Secretary of the Interior whose bodies I may or may not have shot in the do what he could, even knowing he had been with- and Local Government, the same sort of bus that he aftermath of violence or disaster. People like me are held the power to command the PNP. One year was meant to take on the evening of August 18, realists by necessity. later, he took responsibility for the death of eight 2012. We are told that as mayor he wore the blue tourists, even after his own President withdrew his city government uniform to work, that he was in Men die, even when they shouldn’t. They have apology to the people of Hongkong. his office at eight in the morning and that he names, faces, family; my job is to tell their stories. I received his constituents directly, instead of asking did not, however, believe it odd that I was In the tense days after the murder of Fausto Tento- them to go through his secretary. We are told he constructing a different story for Jesse Robredo, rio, pastor of the blue church at the foot of Arakan was a regular sight on the streets of Naga after one whose many elaborate storylines involved his Valley, Jesse Robredo was there, talking to the po- typhoons, shoveling away at the mud long before having been kidnapped by Indonesian pirates, lice, closeted with priests, interviewing the colonels city employees came in to work, and long after they struck by amnesia, perhaps organizing local went home.

49 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 50 Malacañang early this year. I did bump into him mayor of Naga City that he will always be remem- early last week, but he was rushing off somewhere bered by his grateful constituents there. It was in He was always hurrying home and it was just hello and goodbye. At least I that capacity that he left a legacy to governance, a managed to say goodbye. fact recognized by the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Too big a fish It was in that capacity that he left a legacy to the nation, which gave him a higher office than gover- ’m surprised to remember that I met Jesse We went back to Manila. Before we landed, Francis I had always been egging him to seek higher office, nor, or congressman, or senator. It was in that Robredo only in the late 1990s. I feel like I’ve told me to wait, Jesse would negotiate for a flight to figuring he had become much too big a fish for capacity that he became a national figure after all. I always known him. I left Naga where I grew up Legazpi from where we could just drive to Naga. much too small a pond. But until he became DILG (I wasn’t born there, I was born in Manila) after Maybe I would like to join them. Certainly, I said, secretary, he never did, preferring to stay in Naga Naga City never had a better mayor. A thing high school and have been going back there only and waited. and preferring to run only as mayor. That was so Nagueños so deeply appreciated they would have sparingly, on the occasions that I’m invited to talk. even after he won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for voted him mayor for life, if it hadn’t been for term Alas, that too wouldn’t happen. All flights to governance, the first Filipino local official to have limits, and if he hadn’t gone on to become DILG I had heard about Jesse throughout the 1990s but Legazpi had just been canceled as Mayon was acting done so. head. He could always have run unopposed, or only hadn’t met him. I met him curiously enough on a up, spewing ash in the air. Better to err on the side with token opposition, his opponent running only plane, in circumstances believers in these things of caution, PAL ruled. I went home shortly after His aides would tell me he did worry about his ene- for having nothing better to do. might call an omen. Or signos, as Bicolanos call it. that, cursing my bad luck. mies’ threat to put his nationality under question— he had Chinese ancestry—a thing that bowled me That was how well he was loved. That was how well I hadn’t been to Naga for about five years or so and I would learn later that Jesse and company decided over. That, I said, was like questioning Fernando he was respected. That was how deeply Nagueños was looking forward to it. I had been invited to talk later on to just motor their way home. No one Poe Jr.’s nationality. Would anyone be willing to appreciated what he had done for them. in a literary event and was eager to meet the longed to go back to Naga more than Jesse, notwith- risk being laughed at and scorned for suggesting writers. While we were in midair, Francis Soler, standing that he never stayed, or strayed, from it that the Magsaysay Foundation gave the award for Jesse’s aide, came up to my seat, introduced himself Amazing transformation for any long period of time. governance not to a Filipino but to a Chinese? as the brother of my classmate in high school, Nilo, As mayor for most of the 1990s, he wrought an and said Jesse had recognized me from the papers That was what he was doing on Saturday night, We’ll never know the answer to that. amazing transformation on the city, turning it into and wanted to meet me. hurrying home. He had every reason to. It was a the real capital of Bicol. Before he became so, in long weekend, a good time to rest sore and weary Jesse’s transition into higher office, or at least into a 1988, at age 29, which made him the youngest But of course, I said, I had heard good things about bones. It was a time of celebration, his daughter had national one, did not come smoothly. He was way- mayor in the country, Naga City was a sluggish him as the mayor of Naga. He came over and we just won a medal in a swimming competition. And laid early on by controversy, ending up in a feud town, home to poverty and small-town politics as spoke briefly. it was Naga City, he was going back to the with his second-in-command, Rico Puno, after the much as the province, Camarines Sur, that welcoming arms of his loved ones, he was going hostage-taking crisis at Luneta that led to a blood- circumscribed it. He was surprised that I grew up in Naga and saw my back to the welcoming arms of home. bath. identity as a Bicolano notwithstanding that I had It was a city characterized only by its more enter- lived in Manila nearly all my life. I said Naga was That was what kept going through my mind the That was not his finest moment. But he appeared to prising residents trying to escape it, either by going my formative years, Bicol was my cradle language. first time I heard the news that Jess’ plane had have patched up his differences with Puno later on, to Manila or going abroad. Though owning a He said we should have dinner once we got to Naga crashed. It should have been a joyous occasion. and went on to make up for the initial stumble by separate charter from Camarines Sur, Naga City City. I said yes. Instead it became a nightmare. Jesse had been going on an easy stride afterward. was not much separated from it in quality of life. unduly delayed, to the unimaginable anxiety of his That would change after Jesse took over. Alas, that dinner never took place. Shortly before family. It would turn out, permanently. I don’t know that he would have ended first on the we were to land, the plane went on a holding finish line if he had been given the opportunity to Over more than a decade that Jesse was mayor of pattern because of poor visibility on the ground. I Ah, but your heart just bleeds for the family. finish the race. He embarked on his job like a man Naga City, he turned it into a refuge from the wondered about that because it wasn’t raining, but I don’t know what Jesse’s plans were, whether he on a mission, becoming one of the hardest working storm, or an enclave in a vast area known more for that apparently happened often, the early morning would have run next year as a senator or just held members of P-Noy’s Cabinet. That he was working and criminality than for enterprise and fog would not lift and the pilot, who needed to on to his post at the Department of the Interior and on Saturday, the first day of a long weekend, ingenuity. physically see the notoriously short runway, Local Government (DILG), as his Kaya Natin attending a law enforcement meeting in Cebu, couldn’t land. After circling for about 15 minutes, coconvenor, Harvey Keh, asserts. testified to his zeal. Until only about five or so years ago, when Ca- the pilot announced that he was turning back to marines Sur became Cam Sur and went from one of Manila. I felt frustrated. So near and yet so far, it I hadn’t spoken to Jesse for some time. The last time the country’s most impoverished provinces to one was maddening. Naga City mayor we spoke at some length was at the vin d’honneur in of its most progressive ones, Naga City was that, a But however he is weighed as a secretary, it is as the beacon of light amid the surrounding darkness. 51 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 52 Obstacles, pain confine the huge firms to an industrial and for governance. I was certain he did not learn this But I also look at the admiration of his fellow commercial enclave on the outskirts of the city. from Harvard. Some things you can’t teach. Some Filipinos, the appreciation of his nation, the Folk there still talk of the feud between the city City Hall’s message was clear: Naga would grow, but things just come from the heart. gratefulness of his beloved Nagueños, and I know government and the provincial one throughout the by its own terms. something else. It might not have been how he 1990s, which at some junctures threatened to turn That is how I will always remember Jesse. Today, I planned it but, as he has always done before, he has violent. Jesse hinted of it when he received his Some NGOs would also tell me at that time that look at the tears of his overwrought family, the come through. Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2000: they were hard put to keep up with the energies of anguish of his overwrought kabanwa, the grief of City Hall. Here was a case where the local govern- his overwrought kababayan, and I know he is such a He has come home. NSM “We had many obstacles and pains when we started ment itself took up the cudgels for causes that were great loss. August 22, 2012 to experiment with a government system that dear to civil society’s heart. veered away from the traditional. During that period, we’ve been threatened by ways that Naga lost its squatters. Government put up a low- Robredo in top list of Google 2012 newsmakers, is ‘Wikipinoy of the Year’ inflicted the social, political and moral fabric of the cost housing area for the poor at the fringes of the community—rampant illegal gambling, indecent city and offered them livelihood opportunities. wo of the country’s celebrated personalities searched politicians. Coming in at second was entertainment, crime, occasional abuse by the When I went there early in the last decade, some of who passed away this year were the top news- former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato owers-that-be, poor tax collection, rising the residents had already managed to fence off Tmakers of 2012, based on the number of Corona, followed by reelected United States unemployment and sheer indifference. their property with low walls made of hollow times stories about them [were viewed] on search President Barack Obama. blocks. engine Google.com. “Important political benefactors whose interests Meanwhile, after a month-long voting process, the ran contrary to our reform agenda disowned us. Jesse was a great manager, that was his strong suit. The Silicon Valley giant’s annual Zeitgeist report public has chosen the late Interior Secretary Jesse Businessmen who were my friends and were But more than that, he was a dedicated public showed that former Interior and Local Govern- M. Robredo as the WikiPinoy for 2012, according affected by the city’s honest-to-goodness tax official, which was his stronger suit. Throughout ment Secretary Jesse M. Robredo and actor Rodolfo to a local online, free content encyclopedia group. collection campaign questioned our intentions and his long years as mayor of Naga, I never heard him “Dolphy” Vera Quizon, who both died in 2012, loyalties. We however stood our ground, accused of pilfering from the public till. Through- dominated the year’s headlines as millions With 86% of all the votes cast, it was a landslide for strengthened our resolve and entrusted our faith to out his long years as mayor of Naga, I never heard mourned their passing. Robredo, said WikiPilipinas.Org, which bestows the people. We brought our office beyond the walls him accused of having power get to his head. He the WikiPinoy of the Year to the person who made of City Hall and promised to make Naga a better continued to take public transport. He continued to “This year’s list also demonstrates Filipinos’ incli- a great impression on the public during the year. place to live in.” live simply. nation to be involved in and informed of relevant news, whether it is about entertainment, sports or “A WikiPinoy will not be content just sitting The result was impressive, which was felt not just Nothing demonstrated that than a story a friend political news,” Google said in a statement behind an office desk. A WikiPinoy is proactive— by the residents but by public officials themselves. told me some years ago. Wednesday. just like Robredo,” the group said in a statement. Government employees found a new sense of enthusiasm. Government itself acquired a sense of Things from the heart “The extensive use of social networking websites “Though we are devastated by his sudden death, he direction and purpose. like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube allowed Pinoys left us with his own brand of leadership—Tsinelas, Several typhoons had lashed at Bicol in the mid- to voice out their opinions and be indirectly focusing on simplicity and humility as embodied Encounter with sm 1990s, and a particularly ferocious one had made a involved in the issues and news in the country,” the by Robredo with his signature plain white shirt and direct hit of Naga. The storm had caused the earth company said. slippers,” it said. Francis Soler told me later that “SIM City” became to loosen and tumble into the city square from the their favorite game at City Hall. It helped them force of the floodwater. My friend was driving back Google’s annual search report, the Zeitgeist, is Robredo was known to conduct on-ground public conceptualize urban planning. It helped them hone to Manila at break of day, and while passing derived from the same German word meaning service wearing his slippers—in contrast to the their skills at looking at the alternative use of through the chapel near the centro, she saw a “spirit of the times.” It is a tally of all terms formal ensemble of more traditional politicos. resources. solitary figure against the gray sky shoveling muck searched for by a country’s Internet users using in the doorway of a church. Google.com, the world’s largest search engine. WikiPilipinas.org is the biggest collaborative That life imitating art, or government imitating writing project in the Philippines with over 60,000 game, was not just conducive to fantasy, results As she drew near, she recognized the figure. It was “Pinoys became involved with the various tragedies articles in English and 6,000 articles in Filipino. soon became patent. Applications from big the mayor of Naga City. Clad in shorts and T-shirt, in the nation, with the death of celebrities or businesses in Manila started coming in. Shoe Mart, Jesse was trying to carve a path to the church. He personalities,” Google said. It hosts WikiPilipinas, an online, free content sniffing profit in the new growth area, wanted to had risen earlier than his staff and had decided to encyclopedia on the Philippines. NSM put up a mall inside the centro. go ahead and ease the pains of a worsted city. Robredo, a former mayor of Naga City and a January 3, 2013 At the time, Jesse had just come home from Har- Ramon Magsaysay awardee, was at the top of the The city government refused, and ruled instead to vard after receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award list of “movers and shakers,” a list of the most- 53 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 54 Lorenzo’s eyes turned red as she spoke of Robredo’s We ended Thursday's seminar with the recognition plan. She said that she accepted her current job as that the legacy of Robredo would be hard to brush Robredo’s legacy executive director of the Union of Local Authori- off. Many in the bureaucracy have seen how these hard to dismiss ties of the Philippines on Robredo’s prodding, so reforms have worked. Many have benefited. that government would have allies in pushing for ast Thursday, August 23, Secretary Jesse by Marites Dañguilan Vitug reforms. The most logical thing to do is for the next leader of Robredo was supposed to speak in a media the DILG to continue the honest and good work L seminar on health and local governance. Despite meager resources, Lorenzo has successfully that Robredo has started. NSM When we invited him weeks ago, he promptly in the hotel room where journalists, doctors and provided health services to a 4th class municipality. August 24, 2012 confirmed. public officials gathered. She is part of Kaya Natin!, an advocacy group of good-governance advocates co-founded by This was going to be the first in a series of meetings Seal of good housekeeping Robredo. San Isidro has become a model for other with the press on vital health issues as they relate to LGUs, often cited as a best practice. governance. The organizers, which include the Robredo, Gotis said, always talked about the need Journalism for Nation Building Foundation (JNBF) for concrete indicators to assess the quality of work and the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Associa- of local government units or LGUs. He would ask, tion of the Philippines, were excited about it. “How do we measure the performance of LGUs?” House confers medal of achievement to Robredo (Disclosure: I head the JNBF.) by Andreo C. Calonzo Thus, under Robredo’s watch, the DILG came up But as that sad Saturday afternoon slowly rolled with an incentive for LGUs to upgrade their into a long, dark night and Sunday and Monday performance, especially in meeting the high stan- turned out to be bad-news days, with no sighting of dards of transparency and accountability: the seal AWARD FOR ROBREDO. House Speaker the Secretary, we decided to push through, knowing of good housekeeping. This seal came with rewards. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. holds up the that his colleagues at the Department of the Congressional Medal of Achievement awarded to the late Interior Secretary Jesse Interior and Local Government would only be too But first, the LGUs should fulfill two things: there Robredo, September 12, 2012. Atty. Leni willing to take his place and do their duty. We were should be no adverse findings from the Robredo, the widow of the secretary, looks not wrong. Commission on Audit; and that they fully disclose on with their daughter, Jillian. their budget and financial transactions either on Undersecretary Austere Panadero, who has been their websites or in local publications. Photo: www.twitter.com /MRSNewsfeeds with the DILG for many years and is well-versed with its policies and programs, agreed to sub for Each winner was given a hefty P1-million prize. Robredo. But, at the last minute, he was called to an “Take the case of the municipality of Cervantes in urgent meeting by the Executive Secretary, who is Ilocos Sur,” Gotis said. “The town lacked the funds the DILG’s officer in charge. Panadero sent Manuel to finish the construction of its rural health unit he House of Representatives on Wednesday Naga City mayor from 1988 to 1998, and then Gotis, director of the Bureau of Local Government (RHU) building. When the town was stamped with honored the late Interior Secretary Jesse from 2001 to 2010. Development, to pitch in. the seal of good housekeeping…it was awarded with T Robredo with a posthumous congressional the Performance Challenge Fund of P1 million, medal of achievement for his 24 years of “excep- The chamber also adopted House Resolution 280, “Knowing that he [Robredo] is a principled man,” which they used for the building’s completion.” tional public service.” which describes Robredo as a “pillar of good Gotis said, reading the prepared speech of governance.” The resolution also said Robredo Panadero, “we are fulfilling his commitment to The RHU no longer shared space with the House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. handed the “personified rare qualities of ethical leadership and your group to attend this activity. Yes, we lost Sec. municipal health office. It could accommodate all medal to Robredo's wife, Leni, who was accompa- transparency.” Jesse, but his legacy shall live on. We shall carry on its clients. nied by her youngest daughter Jillian, during the his ideals of good governance.” session on Wednesday afternoon. The resolution was authored by Robredo’s fellow Next level Liberal Party members: Belmonte, Deputy Speaker Gotis bit his lips as he read this, pausing as if to Robredo, a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Lorenzo Tañada III, House Majority Leader Neptali control his tears. Former Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Award for Government Service, died in a plane Gonzales II, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya and Ecija, who also spoke during the seminar, informed crash off last month. The aircraft’s Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad. In a way, Robredo was present during the seminar. us that Robredo had planned to take the seal of pilot, Jessup Bahinting, and his co-pilot Kshitiz What he had done to improve the quality of local good housekeeping to a next step: it would include Chand, also died in the incident. House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez also governance during his 2-year stint as DILG secre- indicators in health and nutrition such as a potable authored the resolution. NSM tary was repeatedly mentioned. His legacy hovered water system, among others. Prior to his stint in the Cabinet, Robredo served as 55 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 56 A Tribute to DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo Chiyo Kanda, Acting Country Director, World Bank Philippines Tribute delivered by Ms. Chiyo Kanda of Co-Convenor, Philippines Development Forum World Bank Philippines on August 24, 2012 at Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang Palace during the wake of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo

onorable Government Officials and Local H Chief Executives, Partners from the Development Community and Civil Society, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen:

As co-chair of the Philippines Development Forum and co-convenor of the Working Group on Decen- tralization and Local Government, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family, Atty. Leni and their three daughters, and other relatives and friends of Secretary Jesse Robredo. Also our sincere condolences to the Government of the Philippines and to the millions of Filipinos who have been inspired by the life of a great public servant, Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Reform Agenda and the Performance Challenge Fund were just a Sustaining Reforms We trust that the new leadership of the Depart- few of the innovations and reforms that you have ment will sustain and scale up the reforms for The World Bank, together with many partners in successfully implemented in your two short years Your passing, Secretary Jesse, represents a tremen- effective local governance that you initiated. But development, salute you, Secretary Robredo—or as the leader of DILG. But your greatest legacy, dous personal loss for many of us in the develop- the real driving force to continue the reforms—as Jesse, as you would always want us to call you. perhaps, even from the time you were Mayor of ment community who have known and worked you always reminded us—can only come from the Naga City, was your unwavering belief in the with you even dating back to your Naga City days. ordinary citizens who don’t succumb to the status The development community has a long history of genuine participation of the people. We have been inspired by your commitment to ex- quo. partnership in supporting decentralization and cellence and refusal to accept mediocrity. You advo- local governance reforms in the Philippines. Yet And you created the space and mechanisms for cated not only for straight and open governance Let me end my remarks by quoting from your your appointment as head of the Department of civil society to be meaningfully involved in local but smart governance as well. We were humbled by speech which you gave during the 20th the Interior and Local Government marked an im- governments. Last week, just two days before the your personal integrity, simplicity, and kindness. Anniversary of the Local Government Code last portant shift in the focus and commitment of the tragic accident, I had the honor to be with you Many people are asking, how will all the reforms year: “What brings us together is far more powerful government to reforms. At the beginning of your during the launch of a knowledge partnership in you initiated be sustained? Perhaps, we can get the than what pulls us apart. What brings us together is term, you chaired a meeting of the Working Group monitoring local public services at the De La Salle answer from you when at one point you said that the welfare of our people, the greatness of this on Decentralization and Local Government, and University. In your keynote speech, you said: the people should be protecting and demanding for nation, the best legacy that we can provide to our how delighted we were to hear the principles of “Good local governance can be the conclusion of good governance. This may be the reason why you children’s children is the knowledge that we walked your reform agenda, which you then outlined as: our unfinished revolution. This revolution can also have always fought for an engaged citizenry the ‘matuwid na daan’ and turned this nation into a “Empowered and Accountable Local Government be anchored on people like you who serve rather because they would be the ones to sustain and great one.” Units, Transparent and Effective Local Gover- than criticize, collaborate rather than divide, build demand for good governance. As co-chair of the nance, and Engaged Citizenry.” up rather than tear down. People who engage to Philippines Development Forum, the World Bank Your legacy will continue—so long as the people of understand.” These are indeed the words of wisdom stands committed to continue our support for the Philippines remember you. Your dream will live You quickly put this agenda into action. The Full which will guide us henceforth in completing the strengthening transparent and accountable local on—so long as we all embrace your spirit in our Disclosure Policy, the Seal of Good Housekeeping, reforms that you started. governments and genuine citizen participation in hearts. local governance. Secretary Jesse, maraming salamat. NSM 57 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 58 Paalam, Kuya Jesse LITTLE NOTES by Susan Ople sidecar lang—nakikiangkas lang sa mga nadagdag na laban sa illegal recruitment at human trafficking. auna ka na nga mayabang ka kasi sikat na mayor ka nga. Maski obligasyon sa buhay ni Jesse Robredo. Ang miting ninyo ni Secretary Linda Baldoz ng naman. nga sa Cambridge, nauna ka rin sa aming dumating. DOLE ay inaayos ko na sana. Last week lang yata yon, N Hanggan ba Mga kursong nagustuhan ko ay tungkol sa political Naaalala mo pa ba noong may sosyalan sa Harvard at nagpaalam pa ako kay Secretary Baldoz para sa naman sa kamatayan communications, non-profits, at iba pa. Si Amina niyayaya ka namin nila Amina na sumayaw? Ano sabi agenda na gusto natin. Bilin sa akin ni Secretary ay nagmamadali ka? Rasul mahilig sa leadership at conflict resolution. Si mo sa amin? Bakit, taga-Naga ba kayo? Baldoz, itanong mo na lang kay Sec. Jesse kung kailan Arlene Pamintuan, environment at energy ang siya puwede. Pero nauna ka na naman. Ayos lang, Di pa uso ang katagang pinuntirya. At si Corina Unson naman, management Sabay hagikhikan ang lahat kasi nga totoo naman. Kuya. Siguro mas kailangan ng langit, sanhi na rin ng “daang matuwid,” courses. Maski nga mga Amerikano nating mga kaklase hindi kaguluhan sa mundo, ang isang walking moral itinuwid mo na ang daan mo masyadong pinapansin. Basta’t ang mahalaga sa compass na katulad mo. Hindi ka naman namin ng Naga. Pero ikaw, tanging ikaw ang sobrang masaya ka dahil iyo ay ang makauwi ng maaga para makasalo sa kayang ipagkait dahil ikaw mismo ay hindi naisama mo sa listahan mo ang kurso na Ethics. Lagi pagkain si Leni at ang mga bata. Si Ate Leni naman makasarili. Wala pang maiinit na mo pang ibinibida sa akin na pinag-iisip ka ng ang number one sa puso mo. Siya at ang mga bata, debate tungkol dyan sa Freedom of Information Act, malalim ng teacher mo. Kung kailan wala ka na, ikaw walang kaagaw sa iyo. Mahirap lang isipin na hindi ko na ikaw matagal ng naka-post na sa website ng inyong pa ang nagsisilbing titser ng lahat ng Pilipino tungkol mapapadalhan ng text pag napapanood kita sa TV o lungsod ang kaperahan ng pamahalaang lokal. sa ethics. Fast-forward to the month of June 2012. Tumawag ka kaya kung may biktima na kailangan kong sa akin, 9 pm ng gabi. Akala ko kung ano na nangyari. patulungan. Noong habagat, ilang buhay ang iyong Naka-ilang imbestigasyon na nga ang Senado tungkol Bagay kasi na textbook ang buhay mo. “Toots, ano ba ang puwede nating gawin para natulungan dahil sa walang patid na habilin at sa jueteng, ibinuwis mo na ang iyong buhay at tulungan mga OFWs?” Nagulat ako sa tanong mo, pakiusap gamit ang text. Wala ka talagang sinasayang nagwagi ka laban dito kaya’t mahigit isang dekada na Maski noong bumalik ang batch natin ng Maynila, Kuya. Kasi medyo di naman malapit sa sikmura ng na oras. Bawat minuto ay may saysay sa iyo. “jueteng-free” ang Naga City. nag-balik-Mayor ka, pagkatapos naging Cabinet DILG ang OFW sector. Sabi ko pa, “Kuya, bakit mo Secretary pa, hindi ka naman naman naisip ‘yan?” Naaawa ka kasi sa kanila, ‘yan Alam ko kung gaano kahirap ang maiwanan sina Ate Di pa nga uso ang Twitter, ang dami nagbago. Kuya ka pa rin—dumami ang sabi mo. Kasi nga naman, mayor ka pa lang ay Leni, si Aika, Trisha at Jill. Pero kung makita mo sila mo ng followers dahil marunong lang nga mga kapatid mo. Kapatid batid mo na ang mga problema ng mga OFWs lalo na Kuya, at malamang nga ay napapanood mo sila, kang makisama sa tao. na pulis, bombero, taga-media, ‘yung naging biktima ng illegal recruitment at sobrang aapaw ang puso mo sa pagmamahal. At dahil urban poor sa pangkalahatan ng human trafficking. mahal ka ng bansa, tinitiyak ko na sila ay nasa dasal at Ilang buhay ba ang ipinagkasya mo bansa, pati nga mga OFWs na sawi puso ng lahat. sa iyong sariling buhay? Padre de ang mga pangarap, inampon mo rin. Ang bilis mo talagang kumilos. Nagmiting tayo, alas- pamilya, uliran at romantikong Pati nga Presidente ng Pilipinas, otso ng umaga pagkatapos mamaya-maya, may Salamat, Kuya. Iniwan mo kaming uhaw na maging asawa, action star ng Naga, Ramon higit pa sa kapatid ang turing mo. technical working group na ang DILG at POEA. May isang katulad mo. Ikaw na nga ang naging paman- Magsaysay Awardee, Kalihim at Memorandum of Agreement na napirmahan noong tayan ng kurso na gustong-gusto mo. Ganito ang konsensya sa loob at labas ng Ka-textmate mo ang madla—mula Hulyo pero hindi ka nakadalo kasi kailangan mong formula sa ngayon: Ethics = Jesse Robredo. administrasyong Aquino, sa edad na 54 media hanggang mga bagong kakilala basahin ang talumpati ni Pnoy sa Aklan. anyos. Partido na nga ‘yung lagi ka lang naka- kung saang lupalop sa bansa. Puno lagi ang araw mo, Sayang lang nga at kailangan ka pang sumisid ng sandalyas eh. ang daming kausap at ang daming inaayos. Alam ko Kinantiyawan kita. “Di ka naman nagpunta eh!” malalim para matauhan ang lahat. naman na noon hanggang ngayon, ang nakakapag- Mabilis ang iyong resbak: “Ayusin mo na lang na Kuya Jesse, balikan ko lang ang circa 1998 nang tanggal ng lahat ng pagod ay ang iyong pamilya at magpirmahan ulit kami ni Secretary Baldoz. Maski Bantayan mo na lang kami mula sa Itaas. Mahirap namimili tayo ng kurso sa Kennedy School of mga kaibigan sa Naga. True love mo forever and ako na ang pumunta sa kanila. Tapos gawin na lang ang homework na iyong iniwan. Government sa Cambridge, Massachusetts. Akala ko always ang Naga City. Kami sa Maynila, parang natin kung ano kailangang gawin.” Ang gusto mo kasi ay pakilusin ang mga LGUs lalo na ang mga barangay Paalam, Kuya Jesse. I love you. NSM September 12, 2012

59 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 60 achievements of his public service, even earning or other gratuity to curry favors. the ire of his original political patrons in Naga t is only fitting that Jesse when he went against their wishes. Robredo would He earned the people’s favor through the fruits of Robredo is laid to rest on the fight for what’s right, but the heroism that marks public service. Political awareness can help navigate I week we celebrate National his life is primarily forged from a different, equally principle around obstacles; principle, to guide Heroes Day, for everyone will crucial crucible. political action to right ends. agree that he certainly qualifies for the noble title. His life’s work is It’s the heroism forged from ordinary living. We In that sense, Robredo sought to cross boundaries also the perfect commentary for the praise Jesse Robredo not for having felled Goliaths, (between power and principle) and unite worlds. He kind of hero we need in our daily life, but for doing his job in the example set forth by also crossed social borders, the poverty divide and that will carry the Philippines to Christ in the Gospel of Mark: “And they were especially. He had grown up in a well-to-do family, her future. astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done initially worked in the management of Magnolia, all things well.’” but as Aceron and Isaac note, even then he reached Robredo stands somewhat in out to both the rich and poor, working and playing contrast to many heroes I Excellence in duty is one of the hallmarks of alongside mestizos and the masses, and in political have written about, Robredo’s heroism. One of his most cited achieve- power he aimed to improve the latter’s lot even e.g., martyrs like ments in both Naga City Hall and the Department while treating the former fairly and justly. He also Ninoy Aquino and of the Interior and Local Government is to bring a united government and civil society, giving the Jose Rizal, those sense of merit-based, competent professionalism latter access to the policy process through the Naga who rise in defense to each agency, to supplant cultures of inefficient City People’s Council. of the common man patronage. He was able to bring in all he had like Andres Bonifa- learned working in the corporate world of Magno- These and other hallmarks of heroism are shared cio, Edgar Jopson, and lia Dairy Products, a Masters in Business Adminis- by heroes cut from the cloths of both conflict and Jose W. Diokno, or those tration from the University of the Philippines, and mundane living, but the latter requires the whose struggles bring glory a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from perseverance to live such heroism every day, to the Filipino nation, like the of Government, to instead of at the moment of glory. No doubt Jesse . Their streamline and maximize government operations Robredo had an abundance of perseverance (yet heroism is forged prima- and public service. another hallmark) to live through the tough rily in the crucible of demands of the Naga mayorship and his DILG post. conflict, from our revolu- A second hallmark to note is the humility born out tionary past to our chaotic of service. Robert K. Greenleaf wrote that the The cloth from which Secretary Jesse Robredo is cut present; in the arena of “servant-leader is servant first.” Robredo lived this should be the fabric of the nation: persevering battle, politics, or sport- creed, whether by shoveling the detritus of service, marrying power and principle, excellence ing competition. typhoons from Naga streets or by focusing his in results and performance, compassion for the efforts on the local governance side of the DILG, a poor and vulnerable. In honoring his memory and Robredo’s heroism has its side I described elsewhere as lacking in the “sexy” heeding the call of “Everyone a Robredo,” may we own nature. Jesse himself visibility of the Department’s police functions. He recall these hallmarks of his heroism, the glory of also had to overcome the wasn’t interested in the sexy, but in good results. ordinary duty, and find ways to integrate them into odds to achieve his life’s Those who’ve worked with him would also testify our own ordinary duties, and make the ordinary work in governance to his thriftiness: all that glitters, after all, is not extraordinary. This is how we uplift a nation, as reform, and the shining gold. Jesse Robredo did with Naga and DILG. NSM August 28, 2012 One of his most admirable traits is how he had managed to marry both principle and political power, proving that they don’t have to be mutually exclusive in good governance. For example, like the traditional politico, he did attend the weddings and wakes of ordinary Nagueños to touch base, but JESSE ROBREDO, HERO by Dean Tony La Viña unlike the former, he did not distribute money

61 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 62 Sec. Robredo: Up close and personal This article will form part of a book on the life and times of by Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jesse Manalastas Robredo. Vice Mayor, Naga City clamber up the rusty handrails of the rickety bus. media, we decided to barricade the entire BRBDP Of course, I also had to do the same thing! I learned program office and set up a virtual commune ala— atricia Evangelista, the youthful and later that it was his way of making “pa-charming” The Diliman Republic of the 1970s. incisive columnist of the Philippine cognizance of his innate power to command to his ladylove Leni! (They were married a few P Daily Inquirer, averred that “(Jesse) respect—and even awe. He treated me like a long- months later in simple Catholic rites in Manila). All through the unfolding drama, the Sec never Robredo is a difficult man to write about lost pal although I hadn’t ever met him before that buckled under pressure, prompting one employee because he is a good man, and the existence interview. And prior to my BRBDP stint, I had been But not everything proved to be a bed of roses! The to remark that “this man is worth dying for.” The of a good man demands more from those drifting from one government entity to another, almost idyllic set-up at the BRBDP was shattered by politician, his nephew, and the PC troopers backed around him.” unable to find my mark or niche. But in the case of the political maneuverings of the powers-that-be. off. For six days and six nights, we maintained the the Sec, I was sure that the working relationship Remember that it was the time of the Officers-in- barricade, our morale boosted by the Sec’s Forty days after Secretary Jesse M. Robredo’s death, would last for long. Charge (OICs), a unique offshoot of the Cory unwavering faith in justice and fair play. This also however, I feel that I can no longer use Ms. Evange- Administration’s revolutionary period when encouraged the residents of Naga City and the lista’s statement as an excuse. I must write some- At the BRBDP, the Sec used the so-called New people thought to be loyal to the dictatorial regime adjoining municipalities to support the commune thing about this “good man” notwithstanding the Public Management principles (he graduated on were weeded out of the government. It was also the by way of sending food and other goods. “demands.” the top of his MBA class at UP Diliman) to give the time when the Sec’s true mettle was tested to the moribund agency a new lease on life. His leadership hilt—a defining moment, as it were. On the seventh day, the barricade ended when a Besides, I was given the privilege to have worked style, aggressive yet populist, gradually earned the temporary restraining order was issued by the with him for more than a quarter of a century! respect and admiration of the jaded BRBDP One day, the nephew of a powerful politician regional trial court. But, for all intents and employees. It also attracted the best and the dropped by the Sec’s office carrying a letter from a purposes, the amazing saga of the Sec had just I first met the Sec (that was the way I addressed him brightest, including a pretty and intelligent lass high ranking national official. The letter essen- begun. NSM right after President Aquino appointed him as from the UP School of Economics named Maria tially directed the Sec to replace his incumbent Secretary of the Interior and Local Government) in Leonor Gerona (aka Leni). The 21-year-old Leni deputy director (supposedly a Marcos loyalist) with 1986. Politicized by the events in the aftermath of would soon catch the fancy of the 28-year-old the politician’s nephew. the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983 and bachelor—a perfect match, it turned out. (Did you heeding the call of President Cory for young know that Leni reported for work at the BRBDP on The Sec vehemently refused to do so, arguing that professionals to join her government, the Sec, at August 18, 1986? And August 18 was also the date the incumbent deputy director was a career that time, opted to get out of his well-paying job in when Sec figured in that fatal plane crash.) executive and had the full credentials and a multi-national food conglomerate and try his experience for the job. The politician’s nephew left hand in running a regional government agency, the Despite dwindling support from international with nary a word. After a few days, he came back, Bicol River Basin Development Program. funding agencies, the BRBDP thrived under the armed with a letter ousting the Sec himself. He Sec’s stewardship. Everybody seemed to be inspired was also backed up by his uncle and a platoon A mutual friend (who later became the godfather in to work not just because of the prevailing leader- of Philippine Constabulary troopers in our respective weddings), former Camarines Sur ship by example template but also because of the full battle gear. Board Member Ernesto G. Verdadero, arranged for brewing Jesse-Leni romance! me a one-on-one interview in the office of the Providentially, the night before, some- Sec’s elder brother, Butch. The interview lasted for At first, I never noticed anything unusual. It was body tipped the Sec and I about the almost an hour. Fortunately, after a couple of days, customary for the Sec to freely mingle with the imminent “invasion.” The employees the feature article based on the interview was employees. He queued up at the office canteen (except for four who were relatives of published by a national paper. The Sec called me up during lunch breaks, eschewing any special the powerful politician) almost acted as and offered me the position of public information treatment. He mixed it up with the boys after office one in defending the beleaguered Sec. officer at the BRBDP. That was the beginning of hours. Occasionally, the Sec boarded the office bus After contacting the local and national our decades-long collaboration. which ferried the employees from Naga City to the BRBDP office in Pili, Camarines Sur. This one There was something about the Sec which made me puzzled me a bit because the Sec had a service immediately feel at ease but at the same time take vehicle. And he refused to take a seat, preferring to

63 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 64 De La Salle University launches Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance Solidarity Message of Bicol University names Institute of Local Governance after Robredo Mayor John G. Bongat Message delivered during the launch of the ccording to Bro. Ricardo P. Laguda Meanwhile in Legazpi City, the Bicol University DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of FSC, President and Chancellor of renamed its Institute for Local Governance in Governance on October 4, 2012 A DLSU, Robredo's outstanding achieve- at the Marilen Gaerlan honor of the late Interior Secretary last September Observatory, De La Salle ments in public service and his brand of 24. University. leadership that is ethical, innovative, collaborative, knowledge-based, and results- To immortalize Secretary Jesse M. Robredo’s legacy oriented conform to the Lasallian core values of transformative and servant leadership, of Faith, Service and Communion in Mission. transparent, accountable, and good governance, and egalitarian ethics, the Institute of Local A DLSU alumnus with dual degrees in Industrial Governance (ILG) of Bicol University has been Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, renamed the Bicol University Jesse M. Robredo Robredo exemplified an unwavering passion to Institute of Local Governance (BUJMRILG). tty. Leni Robredo, DepEd Secretary sacrificing quality time for his family. Until the serve, believing that good governance is not only and former President of De La Salle, very last text messages he sent to Leni on August possible, but doable. A my friend Bro. , DPWH The renaming of the Institute of Local Governance, 18th aboard the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane, he Sec. , La Salle President Bro. promised his loving wife that he will be home for which was established on September 7, 1994, was Ricardo Laguda, Bro. Bernie, Governance The legacy of good governance that Robredo made possible by virtue of Board of Regents (BOR) his family. cultivated when he served as Mayor of Naga City Institute Director Dr. Francisco Magno, Dr. Resolution No. 040 s. 2012 dated September 3, Ed Dorotan of Galing Pook, the Alumni for six terms and Secretary of the Department of 2012. This initiative, led by Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. When he was Mayor of Naga, he was fond of saying, the Interior and Local Government (DILG) from Association, classmates and friends of Sec. Lauraya, Bicol University President, is a Jesse M. Robredo, friends and guests; Dios “Maging marhay kita kesa dati,” always believing in 2010 to 2012 provides a rich source of knowledge recognition of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. marhay na hapon saindo gabos. the strength and capability of every Nagueño to be and inspiration to the university as it continues to Robredo’s legacies and his invaluable contribution better than before. He always believed in the strengthen its research, advocacy, and training principle that: “An yaman kan Naga iyo to the Bicol University Graduate School—for his Allow me first to thank you for programs in the fields of policy and governance. an lambang Nagueño,” The greatest having been instrumental in the development and inviting me here with you on this “While we treasure of the city is the Nagueño. implementation of the Diploma Program in Local momentous occasion, the dedication The unveiling of the marker for the DLSU Jesse M. lost him in This is no rhetoric. In Naga, we have a Government Management as its consultant and of your Institute of Governance in Robredo Institute of Governance was held on our midst, we dynamic Naga City People’s Council, affiliate faculty. honor of the late Secretary Jesse M. October 4, 2012 in the presence of Atty. Maria won his directly participating in the decision- Robredo, Naga City’s father and Leonor Robredo, widow of the late DILG Secretary. legacy.” making processes of City Hall. The Launch and Dedication Program, held on former mayor. It gives me and the September 20, 2012, at the Bicol University people of Naga a great sense of pride During the renaming ceremony, messages of I and the City Officials of Naga are Amphitheater, was one of the highlights of the that a prestigious institution like De La Salle solidarity were delivered by Bro. Bernard Oca FSC, truly honored by the opportunity to have worked Bicol University 43rd Foundation Anniversary. University is recognizing and holding in high Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Alumni with Sec. Jesse as our mayor before I was given the The event was attended by his wife, Atty. Leni regard the ideals that Secretary Jesse Robredo Relations, Commissioner Maria Cynthia Rose opportunity to succeed him in 2010. We thank him Robredo, who led the Unveiling Ceremony of the represents. Likewise, we are grateful that you Bautista of the Commission on Higher Education, for institutionalizing transparency programs newly-renamed institute, and Naga City Mayor have taken it upon yourselves to keep Secretary Mayor John Bongat of Naga City, Dr. Eddie aimed at strengthening people’s participation in John G. Bongat. Robredo’s memory alive as a beacon of good Dorotan of the Galing Pook Foundation, Domnina decision-making and imbibing in each of us the governance. Rances of the DILG, and Dr. Andrew Parker of the Secretary Robredo’s friends and colleagues in both highest sense of public accountability for all the Australian Agency for International Development. official things we do by virtue of our position. public and private institutions who worked closely Sec. Jesse M. Robredo indeed showed us a rare brand with him and former students gave tribute during of leadership, a simple and humble lifestyle. He was Dr. Francisco A. Magno, director of the new It has been a month and a half since that fateful day the program. NSM able to shine as an excellent public servant, but the Robredo Institute, also presented the general plan when we lost such an upright public servant, and demands of public service did not push him into that will involve collaborative, multi-sectoral (De La Salle University and Viveth Morcozo/BU) engagement.

65 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 66 the people of Naga lost a cherished and well-loved Jesse Robredo: A true friend, brother leader. Naga has never been the same since that mournful day. But the consolation is, as I have Homily at the requiem mass for the late Interior and Local repeatedly said in previous speaking engagements, Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, delivered by Fr. and I think you will all agree with me, that “while Kulandairaj Ambrose of the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP), on we lost him in our midst, we won his legacy.” And I August 28, 2012, at the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in Naga City think this is also the reason why De La Salle made that historic decision to name its Institute of Governance after its illustrious son, the great Nagueño, the great Bicolano, the great Filipino, and OUR EXCELLENCY, President Benigno S. here, on the same road, many of you might have above all the great La Sallian, Jesse M. Robredo. Aquino; Mrs. Leni Robredo, wife of the late passed there. I want to thank the family, especially Y Secretary; their children, Aika, Tricia, and his wife, for including the Missionaries of the Poor During his productive years of service as mayor of Jillian; family and relatives; Cabinet Secretaries, as one of the favored charities of the late secretary our city, and even now in his absence, we have honorable John Bongat, Mayor of Naga City, to which donations can be made. We will establish a always prevailed. Stories abound of Secretary national and local officials, representatives of free clinic for the poor in his honor. Robredo’s humility as a public official, a virtue that foreign governments, members of the clergy and he has taught us well, and one that we have religious, my dear people of Naga, my dear Filipino Ten days ago when we heard the news about the continued to practice as the new leaders of our city. people. plane crash followed by the discovery of Secretary If I may borrow Sec. Jesse’s words; “It’s not enough Jesse’s body three days later, like you, like each and for an official to be good. There has to be a system In an uncanny coincidence, the lifeless body of every one of you here, I was shocked by the sudden- that forces him to be good.” Higit sa lahat, hindi Secretary Jesse was found on the same day of the ness and the seeming cruelty of it all. My mind was lang siya dapat maging “mahusay” dapat siyang death anniversary of a great Filipino, Ninoy racing to find some logic in what seemed a senseless maging “mahusay at matino.” Aquino. Ninoy said “The Filipino is worth dying tragedy. Words simply seem to fail us in such for.” And he proved it with his own death. Today, situations. With his brand of consultative, inclusive and another great Filipino, Secretary Jesse Robredo, has transformative leadership, we were able to shown by his life and death that every Filipino is But my brothers and sisters, we take comfort that introduce innovations in our city and nourish worth dying for. To this great man, let us show our the word of God never fails, and so we read in the their results for the benefit of our people. This is appreciation as we stand and put our hands book of Wisdom, Chapter 3, “The souls of the just the reason why the City of Naga has always been together. are in the hand of God and no torment will ever regarded as the center of excellence in good touch them. In the eyes of the foolish, they seemed governance in the country. One man should be Thank you. If you feel the ground underneath shak- to have died and their departure was thought to be given credit for all of this, our very own, your very ing, please don’t worry. It’s not an earthquake. It’s an affliction and their going from us to be their own, Jesse Manalastas Robredo. most probably my knees that are trembling. Why destruction. But they are at peace. They will receive me? That’s what came to my mind when Atty. Leni great good because God tested them and found The occasion today, I believe, is not only about asked if I would celebrate and preach at this funeral them worthy of Himself. Like gold in the furnace, naming this great institute after Jesse M. Robredo. mass for her late husband. Why me, a simple He tried them. Like a sacrificial burnt offering, He More than that, it is about how that name will missionary priest working among the most forgot- accepted them. They will govern nations and rule continue to inspire public servants and aspiring ten ones in society? Why me? Then Atty. Leni said, over peoples and the Lord will reign over them public servants to be genuine servants of the public, “Father, that’s what Jesse would really want.” Yes, in forever.” for the public and by the public. death and in life, Secretary Jesse is a man of the ordinary people. I am honored and humbled to do I stand here before you today not as a representa- Let this institute, therefore, be worthy of its chosen this for a friend, a great man, and a champion of tive of government or politics, not as an official name. My dear La Salle brothers, the challenge is the poor. representative of the church, not as a spokesman yours. And the challenge begins now. for the family, but I speak on behalf of the count- I am a priest of the Missionaries of the Poor from less poor and indigent, the tsinelas people to whom On behalf of the people of Naga, I congratulate De Jamaica. Our mission is to shelter and care for Secretary Jesse was a true friend and a big brother. La Salle University for the singular honor given to abandoned children, special children, the disabled, our beloved Jesse M. Robredo. Thank you very and elderly who are homeless. We provide nutri- Allow me to share about this man we are honoring much and good day! NSM tion, health care, spiritual care for the indigent. For today from the personal perspective. I first met the past six years, I have worked here in the Philip- Jesse Robredo, twenty years ago on a rainy day in pines in our mission center which is not far from June 1992. I had accompanied our founder, Father 67 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 68 Richard Ho Lung from Jamaica on our first visit to medical missions. He was there with his wife and regular Sunday mass-goer and communicant. I was felt his cup was overflowing. He did not even dream the Philippines. We were looking at the possibility the three girls every December 25 for the Christ- told by a common friend that it is not unusual to the things that have come to him. He was satisfied of our ministry among the poor and the needy in mas party with our poor, for the gift-giving for the see Jesse slip into the adoration chapel in the with whatever he had. He sympathized with those this country. Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi indigent, before proceeding to his parents’ home Basilica early in the morning. Again, no fanfare, no who mourned. He hungered for justice and welcomed us warmly to Naga and introduced us to for their Christmas dinner. Secretary Jesse was blowing of his own trumpet. righteousness. He was humble and meek even when then-Mayor Jesse Robredo because the good there whenever we needed him and he was there raised to the highest positions in the country. archbishop knew that like himself, Jesse had a heart even when we didn’t need him. He felt comfortable Another quality that endeared Jesse to everyone, Secretary Jesse was not a perfect human being, but for the poor. with us and we felt comfortable with him. Maybe the elite and the lowly, the powerful and the weak, he was a true human being who treated every other because we wore sandals. You may call it the the VIPs and the VOPs—you know who the VOPs human as true as himself. We met at the urban poor location site at San tsinelas friendship, if you want. When he became are? The very ordinary people—is his inclusivist Rafael. With Jesse was his young, beautiful wife, cabinet secretary, we thought we would not see him attitude in a time when people think with an exclu- Let me here, speak to the immediate family of the Atty. Leni and believe me, she has changed very as often as before but I was wrong. Despite his busy sivist mentality. When human life is treated as a late secretary: Atty. Leni, Aika, Tricia, Jillian, little since then, and their eldest daughter, Aika. schedule and high position, he still found time to matter of human choice and people are considered siblings of the late secretary, thank you for sharing Aika, I doubt you will remember this because you visit us every now and then. And it was still the as wanted or unwanted based on personal Jesse with us. You had to make sacrifices to let your were still a tiny tot at the time. same Jesse Robredo with his casual attitude and convenience or the availability of resources, Jesse husband, your father, your brother serve other boyish smile. made everyone feel wanted. He simply treated people. For this, we all thank you. In you we see Two things impressed me about Mayor Jesse and everyone with respect. He never complained that Secretary Jesse’s true spirit of humility and that first meeting: He was a man of the family and a Secretary Jesse Robredo was a man with a golden he did not have enough time or resources for so courage. Let me assure you also of the sincere man of the poor. We met again the next day, this heart, a brilliant mind, and steely will. He was a many who came to him but always found time for condolences of the entire Missionaries of the Poor time at the mayor’s office at the city hall. I was humble man. He was a man of compassion for the everyone. He might not have satisfied everyone’s family around the world. When I heard the shock- surprised, even a bit scandalized by what I saw at poor, the needy, and for everyone. Leaders must needs but he made everyone feel that he cared. ing news on Saturday, August 18, I immediately the mayor’s office. His office was a simple room have a vision and a will. A vision without a will rang up our founder in Jamaica, and broke the with a large table, more like a family dining table. remains a fairytale and a will without a vision can For Jesse, every human life was sacred and a gift news. He was stunned. He knew Jesse as a personal The mayor was seated at one end of the table and be disastrous. Secretary Jesse had both vision and from God. Perhaps that’s why he loved our work so friend during his various trips to the Philippines. there were several people of all sorts sitting or will and he fulfilled his mission. He was a man of much. The deformed children, the disabled, We assure you of our continued prayers and standing around in the room. They were all seeking the masses, the real Pinoy Big Brother to the rejected ones, whom society considers unwanted support for you always. the mayor’s attention or assistance with some need. countless nameless, faceless persons who make up and a burden to development. My dear brothers He was their father and they were his children. the bulk of our society. and sisters, yes, every Filipino is worth dying for. Seldom do people pass away doing what they loved doing. Secretary Jesse passed away doing what he And in the last six years that I have been here in the Secretary Jesse also had a great sense of humor. One Secretary Jesse had time for everybody, you, me, loved the most: going home. Secretary Jesse, you Philippines, Mayor Jesse and later, Secetary Jesse, time, he said to me, “Father, all my life, I have been everyone, except himself. He will drop by a liked to surprise people, but not in my wildest and I have met so many times. Either at his office or after girls and women.” I was a bit stunned. Then he barangay fiesta then go over to a meeting with dreams did I imagine that my last mass in Naga more often than not, in our mission center in San continued “You see, when I was a boy, it was my some business people then stop at someone’s birth- City before I leave for my next assignment in Rafael. Jesse was there at every occasion we had. mother and my sisters, now, it’s my wife and three day party or wedding or a wake or whatever. He Jamaica this week will be your funeral mass. Sometimes he would simply drop by just to find out daughters.” Give his family a very big hand. Then I could take breakfast in Manila, have lunch in Cebu, how we were doing or if he could be of help in any said to him “Okay, but it is also the talk of the town and be back home in Naga for dinner with his Thanks for that surprise. Jesse Manalastas Robredo, way. that you also have another woman in your life.” It family except that last trip. He was there for you. devoted son, responsible brother, loving husband, was his time to be surprised and he said “Who is He was there for me. He was there for everyone. We caring father, humble servant of the people, One of the images of Secretary Jesse that I would that?” Who is the other woman in the life of Mayor all felt appreciated and accepted by Jesse. In his champion of the poor, farewell. Indeed, you have carry with me to my grave happened at the height Jesse? Bicolanos' Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Viva presence, we felt no worry. He gave hope to many in fared well in this life, now fare well in the next. of typhoon Reming in 2006 when the winds were La Virgen! hopeless situations. He was not afraid to walk the howling and the roofs were flying and the trees talk. He painted schools, scrubbed floors, cleaned Maraming salamat po Secretary Jesse for being a were falling. I was shocked when the mayor’s car We both had a good laugh. I’m told that since the drains, all while he was chief executive of this city true friend of the common people. drove into our center. Mayor Jesse came to find out age of 16, Jesse has been a devotee of Ina. Year after and one of the highest officials in the land. if everyone was safe. I couldn’t believe he would risk year, without fail. I’m sure next month he will be Ingat po. Dios Mabalos. NSM his own life to make sure the poor were safe and there with us for the Peñafrancia fiesta. Look for Secretary Jesse shared the name not only of our well. I later found out that this was something him. Secretary Jesse was a devout catholic, a god- Lord Jesus but in his own humble way, he strived to Mayor Jesse did every time there was a typhoon. fearing man. live like Him. He was a man truly poor in spirit because he desired nothing for himself. Then he was at my place every August 7 to wish me It has now been revealed that he frequented the happy birthday. He was there during our free confessional, two, three times a month. He was a As his wife said during the interview last week, he 69 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 70 from lucrative government posts, he was a champion of transparency. As chief of the Robredo is 2012 Filipino of the Year Department of the Interior and Local Rare ‘tsinelas’ leadership puts gov’t in step with people power Government (DILG), he instituted a full- disclosure policy that requires local govern- ment units (LGUs) to disclose documents The Philippine Daily Inquirer annually honors a living Filipino who has showing how funds are spent. As of June made the most positive impact on the life of the nation. But for only the 2012, according to the DILG, 99 percent of second time since the beginning of the Filipino of the Year series in LGUs had complied. 1991, the Inquirer voted for a nonliving Filipino. The decisive factor hock was the order of the day when Jesse Sweeping the streets The man was untiring in pushing people employees whose performance, productivity Robredo’s plane was reported to have empowerment as the decisive factor in good and morale he raised. S crashed into the sea off Masbate late in He was twice reelected by his constituents, governance; his long service as hizzoner was a the afternoon of Aug. 18, 2012. As the days who spoke fondly of their mayor as truly one showcase of it. “Unless and until the citizens According to the foundation, Robredo wore on and the window of hope inexorably of them, who told stories of his unaffected claim good governance from those who vow demonstrated that “effective city closed, shock turned into profound regret. By ways and how he walked around his city to serve them, we will not [succeed in] the management is compatible with yielding the time the discovery of his body in the without the customary trappings of power, in work of participatory governance,” Jean power to the people.” downed plane was announced in the morning slippers often, and who recalled that just as Llorin, Robredo’s friend, ally and associate, of Aug. 21, 2012, the aching sense of loss had often he rose with the sun and, finding the once quoted him as saying. That formulation Robredo employed the same vision on the evolved into grief. opportunity, would think nothing of taking appeared to have served as a mantra during national scale, improving LGUs’ disaster risk hold of a broom and sweeping parts of a his term of office in Naga and resulted in the reduction capabilities, among other things, Who was this man and why were people street clean. Then Energy Secretary Rene passage of Ordinance No. 95-092, which was and, only days before his death, preparing to mourning his passing en masse? Laid-back Almendras, in his tribute to Robredo, called famously known as the “Empowerment embark on a campaign to empower ordinary and low-key, he became larger than life in it “tsinelas brand of leadership.” Ordinance” and which became a model for citizens to demand good governance and death, and the nation engaged in a collective other cities and towns. transparency from their leaders. appreciation of him starting from the report The fact is that Robredo raised the bar for of the plane crash and the confirmation of not only public officials but husbands and The ordinance made possible the direct People-empowered his death, throughout his wake, all the way to fathers as well, and in those dog days in participation of sectoral representatives in his interment and days after. The mood was August when the restless sea off Masbate Naga’s development planning process. The How tragic that he would be cut down in his sorrowful; the sense of loss was on a personal would not yet yield the terrible truth, it Naga City People’s Council became an active prime, the DILG portfolio only two years in level even among those who were strangers to became exceedingly clear what the nation partner of the local government; in the his capable hands, and perennial problems him and had no occasion to even shake his and those who loved him had lost: a leader course of its existence when Robredo was like illegal logging only lately given the hand, as though an old friend had passed into who demanded of his constituents full no longer mayor, as though hewing to the benefit of his attention. Those in the know the light too soon. (In the hours after news collaboration in governance, who, borrowing idea of continuing revolution, the council say that an immensely more challenging task broke of his plane crash, an unconfirmed bit from John Updike, “needed people, the was revitalized to beef up its capacity for had lain ahead of him, that he was actually of information was aired that he had been aggravating rub of them, for stimulation,” engagement. being groomed for a presidential run in found alive by a fisherman. A wave of hope and who was at once bold, purposeful and 2016—that he was “the best president the instantly surged among the citizenry and innovative in the public realm and attentive, Concrete proof Philippines never had.” Imagine what he took a while to subside.) gentle and loving at home. A robust public could have achieved and made possible. official and a tender family man—an But these are mere words! The concrete proof Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo had notched excellent mix from any perspective. of Robredo’s work in Naga, as noted by the Still Robredo’s example inspires, lending a a sterling record as a public official early on Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation which wealth of insight into the virtues of people- in his political career. He was legendary as That he is a rarity in Philippine politics recognized him for government service in empowered governance and of unqualified mayor of Naga City from 1988 to 1998, added to the deep regret that accompanied 2000, can be seen in the high schools, daycare devotion to spouse and children, parents and during which time he turned around the Robredo to his grave. Without fanfare and centers, public hospital, farm-to-market siblings. Whence comes another? NSM languishing backwater in thrall to crime self-promotion, he breathed life into the roads in the rural communities, and lots for syndicates to the first-class city that it once qualities of integrity and professionalism the homeless, as well as in the people whom January 27, 2013 was. He was young (29) when he began to both on the local and national scale. Against he drew into civic action and the city resuscitate the faltering “Heart of Bicol.” the grain of those who feather their nests 71 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 72 73 NAGA SMILES MAGAZINE 74 CITY GOVERNMENT OF NAGA City Publications and External Relations Office GF, PESO-DOLE Building, City Hall Compound J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City, Philippines 4400 Tel. (63)(54) 473 4432 Email: [email protected] Website: www.naga.gov.ph naga smiles to the world@facebook