Manila Bulletin

VP Leni leads opening of ‘Museo ni Jesse Robredo’ in Naga

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT and RUEL SALDICO

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur — A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Vice President Leni Robredo’s late husband, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, was inaugurate­d on Friday in this city where he shone best as its mayor.

The Vice President and her family, along with officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippine­s (NHCP) led by Dr. Rene Escalante, inaugurate­d the museum at the Civic Center, Barangay Concepcion Pequeña in this city.

Other personalit­ies like Senators Bam Aquino and Riza Hontiveros, Camarines Sur 3rd District Representa­tive Gabriel Bordado, and Naga City Mayor John Bongat.

The museum, aptly named “Museo ni Jesse Robredo,” was opened to the public on the date of the late DILG Secretary’s 5th death anniversar­y.

It was opened to take in visitors into the life of the long-time Naga City mayor and Interior secretary — from his family roots to his years as a public servant, down to the plane crash that took his life in 2012. The museum also features four galleries filled with the late Secretary’s personal items and story – as shown in displays and interactiv­e features.

The VP, in her remarks, said that “her husband’s life may have served as an inspiratio­n to many because he showed that it is possible to be in public office and maintain a simple lifestyle, in turn giving exemplary service to the people.”

“I think the story of my husband is one story that gives hope – hope that we can have excellent public servants who have decent private lives,” the VP said in Filipino. She added that her late husband’s life is also a testament that it is possible to have outstandin­g public servants who do not go after wealth despite being in government position for a very long time.

 ??  ?? HONORING THE MAN IN SLIPPERS — Vice President Leni Robredo and Naga City Mayor John Bongat (left) prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon fitted with slippers – the signature footwear of the late Jesse Robredo – opening the ‘Museo ni Jesse Robredo’ in Naga City last Friday. Gracing the event are Senators Bam Aquino and Riza Hontiveros, and National Historical Commission of the Philippine­s Chairman Rene Escalante. (Ruel Saldico)
HONORING THE MAN IN SLIPPERS — Vice President Leni Robredo and Naga City Mayor John Bongat (left) prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon fitted with slippers – the signature footwear of the late Jesse Robredo – opening the ‘Museo ni Jesse Robredo’ in Naga City last Friday. Gracing the event are Senators Bam Aquino and Riza Hontiveros, and National Historical Commission of the Philippine­s Chairman Rene Escalante. (Ruel Saldico)

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