Iloilo mayors vow to pursue Robredo’s legacy of transparency, accountability

By Lilibeth A. French

Thursday 23rd of August 2012

ILOILO CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) -- The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Iloilo Chapter has vowed to continue the legacy of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo on good governance characterized by transparency and accountability.

“We will continue to be your partner in ensuring good governance, accountable and transparent officials and maaasahan mo na kami ay kaagapay ng gobyerno na tapat patungo sa bayang maunlad,” League President and Anilao Mayor Ma. Teresa Debuque said, speaking on behalf of the LMP-Iloilo Chapter.

Debuque were among the local officials in Western Visayas who gave a message during the necrological service held after the mass offered for the repose of the soul of Robredo at the San Jose Parish Church, Plaza Libertad in this city on August 22.

Debuque added, “As long as we will continue to live up to his advocacy of an honest, transparent and participative governance, Secretary Robredo will continue to be with us. He is alive in our hearts and in our minds and will continue to serve as an inspiration for us local government officials.”

Debuque said, local chief executives in the province of Iloilo are also inspired by the motivation of DILG in their quest for good governance because out of the 42 municipalities, 30 are recipients of the Seal of Good Housekeeping, a reform effort introduced by Robredo that rewards local government units (LGU) for improved transparency and accountability.

Governor Felipe Nava also expressed the feelings of sadness of the people of Guimaras on the death of Robredo whom he described as somebody who knows how to listen and is unassuming despite his high stature. He is hoping that President Benigno Aquino would choose somebody as replacement for Robredo who will continue what the Secretary was doing which is moving to the right direction.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog described his professor, political mentor, boss and good friend Robredo as an epitome of a good public servant. Mabilog said his Ramon Magsaysay award for good governance is the best example of what a good leader is all about.

Mabilog has placed the city under the State of Mourning and urged that national flags in all public offices, schools and institutions in the city be lowered to half-mast from August 21 to 24, 2012.

The mass and the necrological service were organized by DILG-6 and attended by members of the DILG family and LGU officials in the region. Other local chief executives in attendance were Leganes Mayor Enrique Rojas and San Miguel Mayor Victor Saclauso of Iloilo and Laua-an, Antique Mayor Aser Baladjay. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)