CSC chief to public servants: Follow Robredo's example

MANILA, Philippines - Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairman Francisco Duque III has called on the country’s public servants to honor the memory of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo by following his example.

Duque said yesterday government employees should carry on Robredo’s “legacy of transparent and accountable governance.”

Duque noted that Robredo joined the Lingkod Bayani Network, which is composed of past awardees of the annual Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees of the CSC’s Honor Awards Program.

He said Robredo has joined efforts to inform, educate, and inspire fellow civil servants.

Duque said the CSC mourns the death of Robredo, who since his days as mayor of Naga City displayed a unique brand of leadership.

He said Robredo’s sincerity and commitment to public service were recognized when he was conferred the Dangal ng Bayan Award in 1990, the first time that the award was given.

LGUs mourn Robredo

More tributes from local government units poured in for Robredo yesterday.

In Albay and Davao, officials ordered the Philippine flag flown at half-staff until Robredo’s burial.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda also ordered black buntings to be hung on the facilities of the provincial government to pay tribute to Robredo.

“Jesse’s passing is a great loss to Bicol and to the country as well,” said Salceda in a text message to The STAR.           

“Through hard work and in an unassuming style he slowly transformed himself into an icon of local governments, the gold standard of local governance and local performance and an icon of Bicolandia,” Salceda said.

“He transformed Naga City in the ’80s from a third class to a first class city, placing it as one of the fast growing cities (not only) in the country but (also) in Asia through his enlightened leadership, expertise in management, transparency and public accountability,” he added.

Salceda said Robredo used his knowledge and skills to engineer the city’s growth by using good governance as a template to ensure that the people share the benefits of growth.

“I must confess I am a great fan of Robredo, especially since I am now with local governments and we look up to him as an example of good governance,” he said.

“Indeed the best we can give this man is to follow his leadership, to support his programs and projects he started at the DILG,” Salceda said.

Vice Gov. Harold Imperial said he, along with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and other provincial officials and employees, will go to Naga City to condole with the family of Robredo.

The members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod in Davao offered a minute of silence for Robredo during the council’s regular session last Tuesday. 

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said she and her brother Councilor Paolo will also visit the wake of the former DILG chief in Naga City.

“He was very kind to me. Always helpful, never condescending,” Duterte said, adding that Robredo is the kind of politician who need not sing and dance to win an election.

She said she takes her hat off to Robredo for prioritizing his family and still being able to discharge well his duties as a public servant.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. led Pangasinenses, including mayors, policemen and other DILG personnel, in a Mass offered for Robredo yesterday.

Rep. Gina de Venecia, who was guest of honor and speaker at the 11th foundation day of the Pangasinan Council of Women Inc. in San Fabian town, asked the audience for a one-minute prayer for Robredo.

Lucena City Mayor Barbara Ruby Talaga also paid tribute to Robredo, citing his Seal of Good Housekeeping program of which the city is a recipient. – With Edith Regalado, Eva Visperas, Michelle Zoleta, Celso Amo, Cesar Ramirez