Robredo’s ‘tsinelas’ leadership remembered

late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo (Inquirer File Photo)

TWO years after his death, the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo’s humility and transparency as a public servant continue to be honored and celebrated.

In his hometown in Naga City where he served as mayor, his widow, Camarines Sur Rep. Lenny Gerona Robredo distributed flip-flops to people. Robredo is fondly remembered for wearing ordinary footwear in going around the city when he was mayor.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said Robredo’s legacy to public officials is humility.

“He was an epitome of humility in public office. His death should be commemorated to remind public officials on the accountability of public office, that public officials are not masters but servants of the people,” he said.

Robredo perished in a plane crash in the seas off Masbate in Aug. 18, 2012. Then the DILG secretary, Robredo was on his way to Naga City after visiting Cebu.

The ill-fated plane’s pilot, captain Jessup Bahinting and Nepalese co-pilot Khsitiz Chand were also killed in the accident. His police aide, Senior Insp. Jun Abrazado, was the lone survivor.

August 18 was declared a holiday in Naga City by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 849 signed.

The commemoration of his death started two days ago yet with a Holy Mass, medical mission, the launching of toy libraries and other projects by RepresentativeRobredo, as well as the holding of the Naga City Urban Poor Anniversary Night.

Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon said Robredo had a heart even for Cebu City’s urban poor. He said Robredo supported the Mahiga Creek settlers and stood by their right to a decent relocation site.

“We continue to honor him until today because the way he lived his life especially as a public servant remains as one of his most important legacies,” Dizon said.

Among the activities yesterday in his honor was the distribution of slippers for children in Naga City.

Today, there will be Bike for Peace and Tsinelas Walk, offering of flowers, the groundbreaking of the JMR Museum and the opening of the JMR Exhibit.

The commemoration will end on August 22 with a a tree planting and “Walk for Jessie.”

Cebu City Councilor Gerry Carillo said Robredo was a natural hero.

“You can never legislate or decree heroes, they are made by character of circumstances. To Secretary Robredo, you will always be our guide in transparency in governance,” Carillo said.

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