Lessons from Jesse: A businessman’s take away

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A businessman shares his encounters with the late Secretary of Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo

MANILA, Philippines – To a businessman, the late Secretary of Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo death would be more meaningful if people who’s lives he has touched will also take the less road travelled to governance.

In a tribute he shared on Facebook, former Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President Joey Bermudez said Secretary Robredo’s death was a great loss to Filipinos because of the hunger of the nation for good role models.

“That the Filipino people lost Jesse Robredo is a tragedy of incalculable proportions. For a nation that hungers for role models, a man who wields nothing more than pristine intentions and exceptional management talent to squeeze outstanding performance out of an obstacle-ridden bureaucracy is a rare gem,” Bermudez said.

Up close with Robredo

While Bermudez did not claim to be close or a personal acquaintance of the Secretary, he was able to meet with him twice. The first time was through the MAP in 2008 and the second one in 2009.

The first meeting, Bermudez told Rappler, took place when MAP invited the Kaya Natin champions that included Robredo, Governor Grace Padaca, Governor Ed Panlilio, and Mayor Sonia Lorenzo.

Bermudez was so impressed by Robredo and his other co-champions. Bermudez said their message was clear and simple: walk the talk but walk courageously.

Bermudez said the second time he met with Robredo was in a private meeting where he spoke to the late Secretary about extending some support to Kaya Natin. He has, in his personal capacity, extended help to the good governance movement.

“We settle for small, incremental wins. The problem is that these wins come few and far between. After a while, we realize that our frequent losses have wiped out our infrequent wins,” Bermudez said.

“This is the tragedy that Jesse Robredo courageously sought to reverse. If those who speak well of him in his death will feel compelled to take up the same task with equal courage, Jesse Robredo’s death, albeit painful, will make sense,” he concluded. – Rappler.com

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