NAGA CITY, Philippines – The remains of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo left his hometown Friday, August 24, but preparations are underway for his state funeral, and to immortalize his memory after that.

Upon his return to this city on Sunday, August 26, his body will be taken to City Hall, his office for 18 years when he served as mayor. A public viewing, vigil and necrological services are expected to take place. He will be moved to Peñafrancia Basilica after that.

Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado told reporters that starting on Monday, August 27, the Presidential Security Group will take over security concerns, in preparation for the attendance of President Benigno Aquino III.

Aquino is expected to arrive Tuesday, August 28, for Robredo’s burial.

Burial plans

Family spokesperson Jun Lavadia told media that the family is likely to cremate Robredo, echoing Robredo’s wife’s statement on Wednesday, August 24. 

His widow Leni said Robredo had told her when he was still alive that he would like to be cremated.

Lavadia also said the family plans to bury him in Eternal Gardens in Naga City, next to the spot reserved for his parents who are in their 80s.

As of Friday, Robredo’s parents still do not know of their son’s fate, after his family decided to withhold the information from them for now in consideration of their delicate situation. Robredo’s father is blind.

Remembering Robredo

Bordado said that the city government has gotten many requests and suggestions on how to honor the late Secretary.

One of these is a resolution submitted by the city government asking the Office of the President to make Tuesday a special non-working holiday in Naga City for the burial of Robredo.

Bordado said he has also received suggestions to rename the Metro Naga Coliseum to Jesse Robredo Coliseum, and build a statue for Robredo.

He shared that he was told of plans in Masbate to name a street near the crash site Jesse Robredo Ave, in his memory.

“There have been lots of suggestions regarding all these moves to honor the Secretary but we will discuss the matter a few days after his internment. We will have to consult his family,” Bordado said.

Robredo is credited for turning Naga into a first-class city during his term. – Rappler.com

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