I ENCOUNTERED Jesse Robredo only once in person, and only exchanged a few words with him. But even as I watched him from the audience as he addressed an local government forum among mostly civil society participants, I sensed something different about this cabinet member. He did not exude a sense of self-importance, but rather an absolute lack of pomposity. When he responded to questions from the audience participants, he was authentic, humble, direct and sincere. It was as if he was just talking to someone beside him. Walang wang-wang, (no VIP sirens) incredulously, I said to myself.
Perhaps, I concluded, he is still so new at his post, perhaps it hasn’t sunk into him yet, his new, exalted place in this world. He seemed such a contrast with the Vice-President who openly craved the powerful Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) post given to Robredo. The Vice-President soon after his election publicly belly-ached about the modest digs he had been given at the Philippine International Convention Center which, he said did not befit his rank. He also stated publicly that he should have a fancier car. I laughed when the President assigned him to the ornate Coconut Palace with its chandeliers. It seemed to me a gesture not of honor, but of exasperation, of finally humoring a pesky brat. A palace you want, so a palace you get. I sense some irony in that gesture.
Now I realize that Jesse Robredo’s simplicity and humility came not from naiveté but from a deep sense of principle and moral values. He saw himself truly as a servant leader, with “servant” in bold face. The massive outpouring of a sense of loss and yes, love for Jesse Robredo is a refreshing and inspiring sign that a change is taking place in the political culture of our people. Jesse Robredo had given flesh to the spirit of “walang wang-wang” expressed by President PNoy in his inaugural speech at the Luneta.
We now have a historic opportunity to spread this new culture of simplicity, humility and duty throughout our country. We must see to it that our voters internalize Jesse Robredo’s principles as the standard for selecting future leaders. After all, it is the voters who will decide who will lead out country.
This movement for servant leadership already quietly simmering in some circles should be expanded soon by civil society, to take advantage of widespread awareness and appreciation of Jesse Robredo’s sterling example. The many sectors, the youth, entrepreneurs, women, business executives, civil society leaders, urban poor leaders, farmers and fishers can become part of it all over the country.
It was clear to me during their tribute to their colleague Jesse that the PNoy cabinet fully appreciates the concept of servant leadership that Jesse Robredo personified, and they can certainly be at the forefront of the government’s cultural transformation into widespread servant leadership. Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.
When the public clamor becomes loud enough, the politicians should be able to hear it, and get the message of PNoy when he said “Kayo ang boss ko.”
Jesse Robredo not only set an example for what a Leader should be. He also lived a life worth emulating as a loving husband and father who uncannily, always found time to let his wife and children know how much he loved them. As his wife, Leni Robredo said in her response to the Legion of Honor award given by the President in Naga, “nothing was left unsaid.” So, there were no regrets.
Jesse Robredo showed in his life that yes, a leader must truly be a servant leader. He was able to do it because he was that rare, enlightened breed who had transcendent his ego because of his deep spirituality. He was also an admirable human being who always expressed his love for his family, and for his people. This is why we know that he was truly a blessing to our country; and by his example, will continue to be, it we act on his legacy by expanding and sustaining its impact on our people and our country.
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