Servant leadership

The late interior and local government secretary Jesse Robredo is best remembered for his leadership style and values.

President Aquino entrusted him with one of the most difficult tasks, to oversee the country’s local government units, the police and all other line agencies under the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG).

The DILG post is one of the most powerful in the Cabinet. But the late Jesse Robredo is remembered today not for the power he wielded but his servant leadership – his brand of tsinelas leadership.

While the traditional leader accumulates power, the servant leaders puts himself in the shoes of his people and focus on their growth and well-being.

One legacy of Robredo is the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) system which rewarded local governments for transparency, accountability and good governance.

Those who pass the criteria get the symbolic seal and financial assistance in the form of the Local Government Support Fund.

A traditional leader would issue directives to do this and that. But the SGH introduced by Robredo gave elected officials a choice. They could choose to disclose or not to disclose how taxpayers money was spent, not get the seal and funds for their projects.

Many skeptics thought the experiment would not get the support of mayors or governor. The oppositte happened.

The positive incentive scheme worked. LGUs all over the country were knocking on DILG’s doors with their accomplished checklists of requirements, and eagerly posed for the cameras with their Seal of Good Housekeeping.

While it remains to be seen if LGUs with the seal will remain upright stewards of the taxpayer’s money, with transparency mechanisms in place, it would be easier for the public to know where their contribution to the local coffers have gone.

If they are not satisfied, they are empowered by the information to hold the LGU accountable.

It is unfortunate that Robredo’s service was cut short when the Piper Seneca plane he chartered from Cebu to take him home to Naga City crashed in the in the seas of Masbate that fateful afternoon of Aug. 18, 2012.

Those who make a difference in the lives of others leave a legacy of their good example.

We support Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon’s suggestion to commemorate Robredo’s life every August by studying his deeds and imparting the values he demonstrated.

Robredo’s students in servant leadership in the Kaya Natin Movement, Galing Pook and the Ateneo School of Governance have already declared August as Robredo month.

In the words of Dean Antonio La Viña of the Ateneo School of Governance, “In celebrating, remembering and sharing his example, (we hope) that many people will be inspired to follow his steps.”