Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
26 November 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred on the late Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo the Quezon Service Cross award that was received by his wife Atty. Leni Robredo and their three daughters.

The award is the highest national recognition given to a Filipino citizen for exemplary services rendered to the nation. It gives prestige to the Philippines and contributes to the lasting benefit of the Filipinos befitting the deeds of former President Manuel L. Quezon.

In his speech, President Aquino said that Sec. Robredo represented the characteristics of a good servant leader: loyal, diligent and humble. “Batid niyang bilang kawani ng gobyerno, ang una at huli niyang tungkulin ay ang pagsilbihan ang bandila, at iangat ang kanyang kapwa – anumang pansariling sakripisyo ang kaakibat nito,” he said.

The Quezon Service Cross is the second award for Sec. Robredo, commemorated on his 100th day of death. The first one was the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of Commander which was conferred last August 28.

Since its creation in 1946, the award had only four recipients, namely: Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Carlos P. Romulo in 1951; former Presidents Emilio Aguinaldo and Ramon Magsaysay in 1956 and in 1957, respectively; and the father of President Aquino, Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr.

At the end of his speech, the President stated that Sec. Robredo proved that greatness cannot always be achieved through force or bravery. “Isang simpleng taong kumakalinga sa simpleng tao: dito po natin maaalala ang pangalang Jesse Manalastas Robredo,” he said.

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