Naga observes first ‘Jesse Robredo Day’

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Residents of Naga City yesterday commemorated the first “Jesse Robredo Day” after the city government declared May 27 as a special holiday in observance of the birthday of the late interior and local government secretary.

Robredo, who served as mayor of the city for 19 years before joining the Aquino government, died in a plane crash in Masbate last year.

His widow, new Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, thanked the people for their show of affection for her husband.

The event was highlighted with a mass and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Garden Chapel in Barangay Balatas. It was attended by  city and barangay officials who released yellow balloons while singing the birthday song.

“We are very happy because of the Nagueños' overwhelming support for us as we remember him today. At the same time, we are sad because this is the first time we are celebrating his birthday without him,” Robredo said.

She and her three daughters wore silver lockets containing the ashes of the late secretary.