MANILA, August 28, 2012?Catholic prelates consider the late government executive, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo as a “beacon of hope” for the nation.
President Benigno Aquino has conferred on Robredo the highest presidential citation for his exemplary service as a public servant, following the funeral Mass held at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia on August 28.
Calbayog (Samar) Bishop Isabelo Caiban Abarquez credited the late Secretary Robredo for his simplicity, sincerity and his being a servant-leader.
The prelate said Robredo’s simplicity made him approachable and people never hesitated to come to him “especially the last, the least and the lost.”
He added Robredo’s sincerity was remarkable which further endeared him to the people because he delivered without pretenses.
The prelate from Calbayog said Filipinos should always learn from Robredo’s legacy which he summarized into ATM – which means accountability in all things, big or small, transparency in whatever projects or programs and motivation which means correct and proper disposition to get the end result no matter what.
He also cautioned Filipino leaders to avoid grandstanding and work as expected and follow the late cabinet secretary’s leadership style for God’s greater glory. He recalled what the former Interior and Local Government department secretary said that he will work with or without confirmation.
“Jesus must have been very happy and excited waiting for Jess with Mama Mary to whom Jesse had a great and genuine devotion,” he further said.
As far as Archbishop emeritus Oscar V. Cruz is concerned, he said the late cabinet secretary “is the incarnate example of Integrity, Industry and Simplicity.”
He added the late Secretary Robredo “is practically irreplaceable.”
Iloilo Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said Robredo’s ‘seal of good housekeeping’ is a valuable legacy which he (the bishop) would support to be taught in school.
The 53-year old prelate noted that the late government executive “became bigger than life now that he is dead.”
In both government service and family life he was an exemplary Christian witness, he added.
Alminaza also said he can only hope politicians will avoid taking advantage of Robredo’s demise for their political ambitions “but instead follow his example of integrity, genuine honest public service, simple lifestyle, love of God and country.”
“We now have a role model of a public servant,” he said.
Military Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak, for his part said, listening to comments of people about the late Secretary Robredo’s simple lifestyle and “how available and approachable he was to those who have need of him and how aware and conscious he was of the responsibility of his position?we cannot help but say he was easy to relate with and easy to consider a friend.”
The bishop said he is not surprised at all with the long line of friends who paid Robredo respect and love. (Melo Acuna)
