DLSU renames training institution in honor of Robredo

Almost two months after Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash, his legacy as a champion of good governance is still being honored. On Thursday, the De La Salle University in Manila announced that it has renamed its DLSU Institute of Governance to DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance “to continue to pursue the ideals he promoted.” “Our hope is to continue to pursue the ideals he promoted, and like him, continue believing that great things are possible and doable—and eventually, contribute to the development of our country,” said Bernard Oca, Vice Chancellor for La Sallian Mission and Alumni Relations at the launch’s opening remarks. The DLSU Institute of Governance, founded in 2001, was renamed to honor Robredo for “exemplifying the Lasallian values of faith, service, and communion in mission with his promotion of transparent, participatory, and effective governance,” according to the university. Emulate him Robredo was a DLSU alumnus, having graduated there in 1980 with dual degrees in Industrial Management Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.   Mayor John Bongat of Naga City, where Robredo served as mayor for over a decade before becoming a Cabinet official, enjoined the people to emulate the values of Robredo.   “The occasion today, I believe, is not only naming the great institute after Jesse M. Robredo. It is not about the name. More than that, I believe, it is about how that name will continue to inspire each and every one of us… to be genuine servants of the people by the people, for the people,” he said in a speech.   “Let this institute be worthy of its chosen name,” he added. Robredo’s passion Robredo’s widow, Leni, said her husband, whom she said was no fan of praise and adulation, would still have been honored at his alma mater’s gesture.   “If there is one thing I am sure of now, it is the fact that he must be feeling extremely privileged that you decided to rename the Institute of Governance in his honor. The occasion today is an intersection of two of my husband’s greatest passions: education and governance,” she said.   “In enshrining Jesse’s name in an institution dedicated to the pursuit of good governance, our family is deeply honored and grateful. Despite the pain of losing him, we take comfort that in death, he is given the honor we think he deserved and the respect we believe his life was worth,” she added.   Robredo’s replacement, Secretary Mar Roxas II, was not able to attend the event despite invitation due to conflict in schedule.   Robredo, who died when the Piper Seneca plane he was in with three others crashed off Masbate on August 18, had a string of other awards and honors under his belt, among them the Ramon Magsaysay Award, considered one of the premiere honors in Asia, for the category of Government Service in 2000, in recognition of his work as Naga City mayor. — KBK, GMA News