Robredo in Naga: More cheers than tears

AGA CITY, Philippines - More tears flowed when the remains of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo were brought to Naga City Hall on Sunday, August 26. As his Ateneo High batchmate put it, "Only those without eyes will not cry for Jesse."
But, definitely, there were more cheers than tears for Robredo on Sunday. In the necrological service that the city government organized, Robredo's former colleagues shared stories about the late Secretary's extraordinary dedication to serve fellow Nagueños and his vision for the city.
What was supposed to be a two-hour service that would end at 9 p.m. ended a little before midnight. And why wouldn't it? Robredo served 6 terms or a total of 19 years as Naga City mayor. They had a lot of stories to tell.
Alternately yawning, shedding tears, and laughing, the Nagueños stayed on at the packed City Hall grounds, even if many of them were only watching it from screens outside. Many of them were wearing the yellow Robredo shirts and pins that enterprising residents sold for P150 and P25, respectively.
Fellow politicians, and representatives of the city government employees, trasport groups, urban poor sector, and the business community took to the podium one after another to credit Robredo for the development of Naga City.
When Robredo first assumed as Mayor in 1988, Naga City was a 3rd class city in debt. He was able to turn the city around to become a booming first class city recognized by internatinoal organizations as a model for other cities worlwide.
"Jesse Robredo is incomparable. He has placed Naga City on the map," said his longtime friend Esteban Abonal, a senior citizen. Abonal said there were already senior citizen groups in Naga City long before the national government enacted the Senior Citizens Act.
Naga City Vice-Mayor Gabriel Bordado Jr described Robredo as "simple but effective." He also served as Robredo's vice mayor before the latter's 3rd term expired in 2010.
Jueteng
Bordado recalled Robredo's hard work to eradicate jueteng, an illegal numbers game, in the city. Bordado also expressed concerns about the reported return of jueteng operations. He called on people responsible to respect Robredo's legacy.
Salvador M. del Castillo, the city government's Bureau of Local Government Finance executive director, also spoke of how well Robredo used the city's money. "He was very prudent in managing the city's finances. You have to prove and justify projects for funding," he said.
Naga City Mayor John Bongat vowed they will continue Robredo's legacy. "Jess, hindi namin sasayangin ang iyong nasimulan," Bongat said, addressing the late public official by his nickname.
Family came first
Robredo's brother Butch and daughter Tricia delivered the family's response.
Butch Robredo particularly thanked those who helped them in Masbate during the search-and-rescue operations for Robredo.
On the other hand, Tricia delivered a heartwarming speech that left the Nagueños teary-eyed and laughing at the same time.
"Maybe you were ready to die, but we were not ready to lose you," she said.
But she said they will be strong. Poking fun at speeches supporting calls for her mother Leni to run for senator, Tricia said: "Ako na po bahala kay Mama, Senator Len."
She paused, then blurted, "Joke!" Then she laughed.
Family was Robredo's true priority, said Tricia. Robredo would always make sure that they're finished with their assignments before he works on other things, she shared.
Tricia also vowed to continue his father's battle even if they will not necessarily join politics themselves.