My mayor, Jesse Robredo

More than 3 years ago, my cousin from Naga sometimes surprised us at home after driving for his boss, who had a lot of meetings and errands here in Manila. He never ran out of good stories to tell about his superior who had always been a well-loved public servant in the heart of Bicol region.

My cousin Toks worked for the then-Mayor of Naga City, Jesse Robredo. He worked for him as a driver for many years and I never heard any negative stories about his boss. Kuya Toks will tell us how Mayor Jess lived a simple life while leading his people.

Kuya Toks once told me how Mayor Jess encouraged one of his staff to patch up marital and family problem. He told me how Mayor would travel from Naga to Manila just to talk to a group of less than 10 student leaders and inspire them to serve the people the best way they can. He told me how Mayor prohibits any level of corruption by discharging any staff or official proven of wrongdoing.

Through these and other stories, I got to know Mayor Jess: a rare kind of man who has genuinely good intentions for his people.

The pride of Bicolanos

Both my parents are from Naga City and they witnessed how crime, corruption, and dirty politics flourished in the city back in the 60s until the 80s. Illegal drugs and syndicates were huge problems, while political clans were slinging mud from left to right. Naga was behind Legazpi City, the center of Bicol province back then.

But my parents told me how the young Mayor Jess transformed Naga into one of the best cities in the Philippines: all streets, even the smallest eskinitas, were turned into concrete pavements; illegal settlers were given houses to give families a decent place to live in; each contractor was given a project to avoid conflict; illegal drug operators were tracked down, and so many other things that could not be counted with my two hands.

I became proud of Naga City, where I trace my family’s roots. I became proud of the city I used to come home to during the summer – a city where the people love their government because of transparency and integrity. I wasn’t raised in my parent’s hometown but my love for Naga and Bicol grew as I saw Mayor Jess’ outstanding leadership and love for his city and his people.

A rare leader

I’ve always been curious about how Mayor Jess ran Naga City. How did he manage to live a simple and dignified life despite strong temptations in government? Why didn’t he use his power for personal gain after 18 long years? How was he able to stay grounded?

I wanted to know more about my parents’ stories on how he rode on a garbage truck to get to the typhoon-devastated areas then shoveled mud together with the people.

I wanted to tell him how proud I am of Naga City because of him, how I admire him for taking the extra mile to serve his people and for not taking advantage of the power they had given him.

I know I will never get a chance to tell and ask him these things, but I would like to applaud him for everything he has done for our beloved Nueva Caceres and the corruption-stained government he tried to fix.

We might mourn your death but we celebrate your life. Thank you very much, Mayor Jesse Robredo, on behalf of my family in Naga City which you have truly inspired.

Dae ka malilingawan can mga tawong pigsirbihan mo. Dios mabalos!  

(You will not be forgotten by the people you served. Thank you.) – Rappler.com