P'sinan gov pays tribute to Robredo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Gov. Amado Espino Jr. hailed the late Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo for his remarkable contributions to national and local governance.

Espino paid tribute to Robredo during a special Mass here offered by the province for the departed DILG secretary Thursday morning.

Provincial and local officials, DILG personnel, elements of the provincial police, and provincial government employees attended the Mass at the Provincial Training and Development Center.

Espino described Robredo as “man of integrity, very decent, simple and hardworking.”

“It will be hard to find someone who can continue what he has started for (local government units),” he said.

“Under his leadership, the DILG conferred to Pangasinan the Seal of Good Housekeeping in recognition of our efforts in advancing principles of accountability and transparency in local governance for 2011 with a prize of P40 million worth of projects. We thank him for that,” Espino said.

He said Robredo showed his personal concern for Pangasinan by directly making calls to inform local officials of major policy developments or to warn them about adverse weather conditions.