Gawad Jesse M. Robredo to honor outstanding mayors

The Jesse M. Robredo Foundation yesterday launched an award that would recognize local chief executives who exemplify excellence, integrity and sincerity in public service.

Dubbed as Gawad Jesse M. Robredo, the foundation said local chief executives with the qualities that defined the former Naga City mayor would be given the award. Robredo, who was also former secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, died in a plane crash in Masbate on Aug. 18, 2012.

The foundation said the award also aims to create partnerships with various organizations and institutions to improve community development programs the awardees initiated to uplift the lives of their constituents.

All incumbent mayors who have completed at least one term are qualified for the award.

The recipients will be named in January 2020. They will receive a trophy and a non-monetary grant from a partner organization to support a community development program in their local government units.

Robredo’s widow Vice President Leni Robredo stressed the importance of recognizing mayors for promoting a culture of people empowerment, accountability and transparency in government through their leadership. “Ang pulitika hindi naman masama in itself. Ang pulitika, puwede mong gamitin para sa kabutihan. At iyong example ni Jesse ang magsasabi sa atin na it can happen, it can be done,” she said.