Paje urges gov’t officials to rededicate themselves to public service

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The best way for government officials to honor the memory of Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo is by rededicating themselves to the ideals of public service, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said on Wednesday.

“The finest tribute we can pay him at this hour is to pray for the eternal repose of his soul, and, for the civil servants among us, to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of public service,” he said in a statement.

He said Robredo, his fellow Bicolano, had been a valuable partner in the implementation of various environmental projects, including the government’s anti-illegal logging campaign, solid waste management program, use of geo-hazard maps among local government units, and clean-up of waterways and Manila Bay.

It was also through Robredo that the environment department engaged the Philippine National Police, whose personnel have committed to planting millions of trees under the National Greening Program, he said.

Paje said that Robredo had best distinguished himself as a Filipino.

“He established himself as an exemplar of public service, utterly competent and dedicated. The many awards and acclaim he received from the time he was mayor of Naga City –  the youngest city mayor in the country – amply attest to his impeccable credentials,” he said.

He said Robredo was “a devoted family man, loyal friend, and ever active member of his community.”

Paje urged the men and women in government service “to rededicate (themselves) to the ideals of public service” as a tribute to the late secretary.