VP Leni worried but proud as daughter Jillian heads to NYU

Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday took to Facebook to express her worries now that her youngest daughter, Jillian, will be pursuing her college degree at New York University.

"As a mother, and a single parent at that, I worry that she will be by herself in that concrete jungle," said Robredo, who lost her husband, former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, to a plane crash in 2012.

"But knowing that she worked so hard for this and deserves everything that she's achieved, I am comforted in the knowledge that she will always be in God's loving and protective embrace," she added.

Robredo described Jillian, who was only 12 when her father died, as "very independent, responsible and disciplined" who applied for universities "with almost no help from me."

The Vice President also said Jillian, after she was offered only partial scholarship, applied for other sources since she is aware that her family would not be able to afford sending her to NYU.

"She even applied for part time work and was accepted," Robredo said.

Robredo's message was greeted warmly by Facebook users, with many of them wishing Jillian luck.

"She will be just fine!" said world renowned Filipina theater actress Lea Salonga, referring to Jillian.

Former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, for her part, said, "Her roots are deep and strong. Her wings are powered by all our love. You and the girls are blessed. Safe journey and have a blast." —KBK, GMA News