When he died, one of her fears, said Trisha, the late Jesse M. Robredo's second daughter, was people would forget about him and all that he had accomplished as a public servant.

But 10 years after he died, and 12 years ago as his mayoralty term ended, the spirit of genuine public service, good integrity, and excellent leadership never ceases. The people who stood by him – city officers, his pool of hardworking men – are the same, perhaps, added with more committed staff who wage the same advocacies alongside former Vice President, his conscience, and better half Leni Robredo on her last presidential bid.

Former Vice Leni, in her speech, recalled the strictness of her husband, not only as a partner and a father but towards his job. She said, he works tirelessly to present the best service to his constituents.

“Kay Jesse, hindi pwede ang ‘Pwede na.” Yung values na, “Talo ng masipag ang matalino,” yung ugali na “Talo ng maagap ang masipag” lahat yun nakuha kay Jess,” Atty. Leni reminisced how her late husband attributed to their children’s performances.

The attorney also added that of all the things they inherited from their father, is the grit that comes with humility-  that becomes the most important and the most essential character to have; the desire to become better in the causes that one has to fight for.

In a similar timeline, Jesse M. Robredo Foundation (JRMF) was put to life with no other aspirations but to continue and emulate the legacies of the late interior and local government secretary and Naga City mayor, or simply, the country’s icon of good governance.

No doubt, he deserves a special non-working day to commemorate his life, and a museum at the heart of Naga.

Mr. Harvey Keh, JRMF Program Manager said that in this first decade, the foundation will relaunch the Gawad Jesse M. Robredo to be given to outstanding mayors in the country who embody the Matino, Mahusay, and Matapat values.

The foundation likewise held the launching of the ‘DYES’ book which piles testimonies from Robredo’s sister, Dr. Josephine R. Bundoc, and his city administrator officer back in the day, Mr. Wilfredo Prilles Jr.

Jillian, his youngest, announced the winners of MalikhaON Digital Artwork Contest. This aims to showcase the values and heroism of ordinary Filipinos in nation-building through digital art.

The foundation’s chair Aika Robredo expressed her gratefulness to every supporter and member of the foundation who yield its commitment to the campaign towards good governance, public leadership, and youth empowerment.

Atty. Leni encouraged the people to keep within themselves the reason for staying and supporting her and her husband throughout the years. 

"Ang legacy talaga ni Jes ay sa lahat ng ginagawa hindi instant gratification ang mahalaga. Mayroong mga bagay na kailangan mong isakripisyo para mas pangmatagalan ang epekto. Sa mga public officials, hindi mahalaga yung ginawa mo at nakita ng tao, pero yung pagbabago sa mga mindsets, values at pagset ng mga sistema, para kahit mawala ka, yung mga naiwan mo ay hindi lang magpapatuloy, ngunit mas hihigitan pa yung ginawa mo. Para kay Jes, yun ang measure ng tunay na lider. Pag hindi mo na oras, hindi mahirap sa iyo bumitaw." (PIA5)