Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang
25 August 2012
While the public viewing of Secretary Robredo’s remains continues, President Benigno S. Aquino III joined his Liberal Party mates and Cabinet secretaries as they remember how a friend and a fellow servant leader touched and inspired their lives during the memorial services in Malacañang.
Among those from the Liberal Party who delivered eulogy are Paombong Mayor Donato Marcos (League of Municipalities of the Philippines President), ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Batanes Lone District Representative Henedina Abad (LP Vice President for Policy, Platform and Advocacy), Senator Francis Pangilinan (LP Vice President for External Affairs), Speaker Sonny Belmonte (LP Vice Chairperson) and Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas (LP President).
Emotional songs were offered by Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Danna Dulay and Bayang Barrios during the Liberal Party necrological service.
Five Cabinet cluster representatives including Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje (Climate Change Cluster), Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman (Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster), Energy Secretary Rene Almendras (Economic Development Cluster), National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr. and Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Luwalhati Antonino (Security Cluster) and Budget and Management Secretary Butch Abad (Good Governance cluster) shared their unforgettable experiences while working with Secretary Robredo.
Secretary Almendras noted that the late Secretary who was fond of wearing “tsinelas” or slippers when they walked through floods exemplified a “tsinelas leadership”. He defined this type of leadership which embodies Secretary Robredo’s practices in four points: 1. Having the willingness to visit odd places just to serve the people; 2. Breaking down the barriers between public servants and the people they serve; 3. Being warm and casual in serving the people; and 4. Having genuine concern for the people.
Members of the Cabinet gladly sung three of Secretary Robredo’s favourite songs, “Impossible Dream”, “My Way”, and “Betcha By Golly Wow” to commemorate their dear friend and the life they had with him.
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