Be like Jesse: 1st Jesse Robredo Youth Leaders Camp

“Imagine our country being run by government and public sector leaders like the late Jesse Robredo.”
 
 

These were the words uttered by Myra de Leon, Project head of the 1st Jesse Robredo Youth Leaders Camp which gathered more than 30 college student leaders from all over the country as part of the Jesse Robredo Foundation and the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership’s thrust of developing more Filipino leaders who will have the values, principles and work ethic of the late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo.

The camp which was also facilitated by Robredo’s daughter Tricia, was conducted last February 8-10,2013 at Camp Explore in Antipolo City. Among those who were invited to share their experiences were some of Robredo’s closest friends and colleagues including Dr. Milwida Guevara of Synergeia Foundation, DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, Willy Prilles of the Naga City Hall and Sec. Neric Acosta of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).


Robredo as a Public Education Reform advocate

In her talk, Dr. Guevara shared how Robredo would always make time to visit far flung areas in the country such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi just to be able to guide Mayors and other Department of Education (DepEd) officials towards developing effective and empowering local school boards. Dr. Guevara also shared that despite his very busy schedule when he was already appointed as DILG Secretary, Robredo would never fail to attend activities and events of Synergeia Foundation. His presence in these events inspired more local government officials to make education reform as a priority in their respective municipalities and cities.

Leading by his own example

For Prilles and Panadero, they would always remember Robredo as a leader who led by his example. According to them, Robredo would never ask his subordinates to do something that he himself would not be able to do. One example was when he was still Mayor of Naga City and despite the fact that his daughter was already confined in the hospital, he would still ask his staff to bring the necessary paperwork to the hospital so that the necessary services, programs and projects of the city wouldn’t be delayed. Many in Naga City would also fondly remember Robredo as the first one who would go outside the streets and lead the clean up of their city after every typhoon.

Finally, both Acosta and Guingona intimated that one of the strong traits of Robredo was his being accessible even in the late hours of the day. Despite his stature, Acosta said that Robredo never made people feel that he was above them, he was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed his support. He would always give equal treatment and value to every person regardless of their social status or position. This was particularly evident every time that there would be a planned demolition of urban poor communities, Robredo would be the first one to mediate between the government, private landowner and the urban poor groups.   

Electing leaders like Jesse Robredo in May 2013

One of the values that Guingona admired about him was his being able to always give time and attention to his family. Whereas, many political leaders would set their family life aside due to their busy schedules, Robredo would always make it a point to ensure that he would have enough time for his family especially his three daughters. This was particularly evident whenever one of his daughters would need him to help them with their lessons in school that would then prevent him from attending some activities and events. As a leader, Robredo knew what his priorities were in life and clearly it was his family above everything else.

In the end, Guingona urged and challenged the student leaders to support and vote for government officials who embody Robredo's “Tsinelas Leadership”.  He reminded the youth leaders that they should also consider joining government or running for public office because we definitely need more effective, ethical and empowering leaders, who like Robredo, will always place the common good above their own personal interests.

For more information about future activities of the Jesse Robredo Foundation, you can call Myra or Nash at (02) 990-3282 or (02) 433-1440.

Comments are welcome at harveykeh@gmail.com

Harvey S. Keh is Director for Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship at the Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government and is the Lead Convenor of the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership.