Moving on.

It felt very good to have been able to be part of the multisectoral group that was quickly formed for a thanksgiving and send off tribute for Sec. Jesse Robredo last Tuesday afternoon, August 28th, at the University of the Philippines Cebu.

Although we were unable to go to Naga, we felt one with all others there and throughout our country who thanked Sec. Jesse. We also felt one with those who sent him off to return to his final home with the Lord.

Thank you to Atty. Golly Estenzo-Ramos and Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon who helped us coordinate the simple but meaningful event. We also thank all those who joined us, despite the short notice.

Special thanks to the following: UP Cebu OIC Dean Prof. Teresita Rodriguez who represented the academe (she also kindly helped us with the venue and physical arrangements, with the help of some UP Cebu staff), Fr. Jack Serate, who represented Filipino migrants whom he is assisting in Japan (he led all through the opening prayers and the send off candle ceremony in front of the Oblation), Ms. Lorna Abella, who stood for employees , including those of UP Cebu (she led the singing of the Pambansang Awit), John Meguito who represented students and the youth (he shared his experiences of directly meeting Sec. Jesse in Naga), Ms. Marlene Paracuelles who spoke for the urban poor (she shared Sec Jesse’s pro-poor stance of providing on-site relocation first, if possible, then in-city relocation next or off-site relocation with the assurance that the relocates will always be near their source of livelihood), Bimbo Fernandez who spoke as a friend and for civil society (a close friend since the 80s, he shared his encounter with  Sec Jesse through the years), Rudy Alix, another civil society partner (he passionately spoke about the need for good governance and sincere public service), Sir Junjun Davide who shared about his encounter with Sec. Jesse as a member of the same political party, and, local government representatives Cebu City Councilors Margot Osmeña, Nida Cabrera and Alvin Dizon (who shared about their encounter with and experiences learned and modeled after Sec Jesse’s best practices in Naga).

Special mention and thanks to Mr. Oscar Pineda of SunStar who, at a moment’s notice, kindly rose to the occasion to represent media and his observations about the outstanding qualities of Sec. Jesse Robredo!

From now on, August 21 will no longer just be Ninoy Aquino’s day. Sec. Jesse will share the limelight with Ninoy who inspired him to be a genuine public servant. Sec Jesse will also be counted among the other Filipino heroes who gave up their lives for the Filipinos they all believed were worth dying for.

God is truly good, allowing the Filipinos yet another blessed moment to witness the life of Sir Jesse and his precious reminder to allow the heroes in you, in all of us, in every Filipino to shine brightly in the service of God and our people. We have been gifted with many exemplary Filipinos who showed us, in their lives and death, that it is possible to have good leader-servants and committed Filipinos who can inspire and bring out the goodness in our people.

With God and with everyone united and sharing their goodness and their best, soon, very soon, The BEST for our people and our country is possible and will soon be in our midst.   

Time to move on, with hope, commitment, and goodness.

After the tribute, we heard Perry Pacularan appealing for immediate help to buy medicines (the whole set costing P84,000!) to combat the Kawasaki Syndrome threatening the life of their 1-year old child, Denzel. You can reach Denzel’s father, Perry, at 0923-628-3471.

Please let your goodness shine and help however you can! DIOS MABALOS!

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