Education secretary hails Robredo as ‘icon of good governance’

Education Secretary Armin Luistro. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Education Secretary Armin Luistro mourned the passing of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo whom he described as an “icon of good governance and faithful stewardship.”

He urged Filipinos to honor Robredo’s legacy of genuine public service.

“We in the Cabinet mourn Secretary Jesse’s passing as an icon of good governance and faithful stewardship,” Luistro said in a statement. “As a fellow Lasallian, I mourn an outstanding alumnus who has been an example of what it means to use one’s gifts for service.”

As a Filipino, I am urged by Secretary Jesse’s legacy to continue to believe that there are good men and women who are willing to sacrifice and give their lives for the sake of our nation,” he added. “Isabuhay natin ang sinimulan ni Jesse (Let us continue what Jesse has started).”

Luistro also expressed the Department of Education’s condolences to the families of pilots Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand.

“We stand in solidarity with their families and friends at this very difficult time of their lives,” he said.

Joel Villanueva, director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), hailed Robredo as “one of the cornerstones of this administration.”

“(He was) a person of extraordinary accomplishment, integrity and committed service,” he said. “Death ended his life, but not the inspiration that he instilled in all of us to always do what is good.  For this, he will always live in our hearts.”