Statement of Sen. Francis “Kiko”Pangilinan on the 61st birthday of Sec. Jesse Robredo

Secretary Jesse Robredo would have been 61 today.

As we know him, “simple” Jesse would not wish for any grand celebration, but something meaningful and productive that could be shared with the people.

And so, on this day let us relive his wisdom and pledge to live up to them.

Be good and competent (matino at mahusay). Empower the people. Treat people equally (walang malaki o maliit).

These are simple lessons from an icon of good governance, but which remain every public servant’s unfinished and continuing dream.

Thank you, Sec. Jesse.

61 taong gulang na sana ngayon si Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Sa pagkakakilala natin sa kanya, hindi magnanais ang simpleng si Jesse ng anumang engrandeng pagdiriwang, kundi isang makabuluhan at mabungang pagdiriwang kung saan pwedeng makibahagi ang tao.

Kaya naman, sa araw na ito muli nating isabuhay ang kanyang dunong at panata.

Maging matino at mahusay. Gawing makapangyarihan ang mamamayan. Ituring ang bawat tao nang pantay (walang malaki o maliit).

Ito ang mga simpleng aral na natutunan natin mula sa isang huwaran ng mabuting pamamahala, ngunit nananatiling hangarin na di pa rin naaabot at patuloy na inaabot ng bawat lingkod-bayad.

Maraming salamat, Sec. Jesse.