Highest national award conferred on Robredo

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday conferred on the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo the Quezon Service Cross award, the highest the Philippine government can give to a citizen.   “Sic Floret Respublica: Iyan po ang tatlong salitang Latin na nakaukit sa medalyang ipinagkaloob natin ngayon. Sa Filipino, ‘Pagsibulin ang Republika.’ Iyan din po ang nagawa ni Jesse Manalastas Robredo,” Aquino said in his speech after handing the award to Robredo’s widow, Leni.   Aquino hailed Robredo, who along with three others died in a plane crash last August 18 in Masbate province, as the paramount in leadership. Monday was the 100th day after Robredo's death.   “Kinakatawan ni Jesse ang mga katangian ng isang tunay na lingkod-bayan: matapat, masigasig, at mapagkumbaba. Batid niyang bilang kawani ng gobyerno, ang una at ang huli niyang tungkulin ay ang pagsilbihan ang bandila, at iangat ang kanyang kapwa: nasa puso ni Jesse ang pagseserbisyo,” he said.   While Robredo has received several posthumous awards, the Quezon Service Cross is the highest. Only the president can nominate potential awardees, with the concurrence of Congress.   Robredo is only the fifth recipient of the award, which has been in existence for 66 years. The award was created through Joint Resolution No. 4 of the First Congress of the Philippines.   “Sa araw pong ito, nakamit ni Jesse Robredo ang pinakamataas na parangal sa bansa, sa paglilingkod na nakasandig sa pagpapakumbaba. Kanyang pinatunayan na hindi laging naipapamalas ang kadakilaan sa lakas ng puwersa, sa katapangan, o sa kagitingan. Isang simpleng taong kumakalinga sa simpleng tao—dito po natin maaalala ang pangalang Jesse Manalastas Robredo,” Aquino said.   Previous awardees are former presidents Emilio Aguinaldo and Ramon Magsaysay; slain senator and Aquino’s father Benigno Aquino Jr.; and noted Filipino diplomat Carlos P. Romulo. — Patricia Denise Chiu/KBK, GMA News