Robredo to gov’t officials: Time to serve the people is ‘fleeting and swift’

For Vice President Leni Robredo, the untimely death of her husband, former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, is a reminder to all government officials that their time to serve the people is “fleeting and swift.”

“Jesse’s short life and his death is a reminder to us as elected leaders, government workers, and public servants that our time to serve is fleeting and swift,” the Vice President said in a speech during the launch of her husband’s biography, “Jesse Robredo: His Story,” on Tuesday.

Robredo reminded government officials that public service is a privilege given to a select few. Hence, those who are given the opportunity to serve should find ways to maximize it to make a difference.

“Sandali lang tayong binibigyan ng pagkakataon, and that not everyone is given this privilege. Totoo naman, ‘di ba It is a privilege to serve. Maraming gustong sumubok, pero hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon (Many would like to try but not everybody is given the opportunity to serve),” Robredo said.

(This opportunity given to us is brief, and not everyone gets the privilege. It’s true, right? It is a privilege to serve. Many would like to try but not everybody is given the opportunity.)

“So the challenge for us is: How do we maximize this short time that is given to us for us to be able to give our all and to really make a difference?” she added.

The Jesse M. Robredo Foundation, in partnership with Synergeia Foundation, organized the book launch held at the City Grand Hotel in Makati City.

The foundation was established by Jesse’s friends and relatives. Meanwhile, Synergeia is a coalition of local governments, sociocivic groups, and various sectors that aims to improve basic education for school children.

Before becoming the Interior secretary under the Aquino administration, Jesse Robreo was a six-term Naga City mayor.

He died in a plane crash in Masbate six years ago. /ee

READ: Robredo plane crash traced to pilot error