who attended the groundbreaking ceremony hours

MORE expressions of sympathy were offered yesterday by Cebu officials to the families of the late Interior and Local Governments Secretary Jesse Robredo and Capt. Jessup Bahinting,  who died in last Saturday’s plane crash in waters off Masbate City.

Both Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Meinrado Paredes said anyone who would be appointed to succeed Robredo has big shoes to fill.

“I hope and I pray it will be somebody like Jesse. Robredo was very ‘accessible’ and would walk the extra mile. His integrity was beyond question. There was  no fanfare in his arrival,” the vice governor said.

Magpale said she will support plans to name the new Philippine National Police Regional Training Center in Consolacion town, Cebu after Robredo, who attended  the groundbreaking ceremony hours before the plane crash.

“I’m for it if only to perpetuate his memory and so that local officials won’t forget his advocacy,” Magpale said.

Judge  Paredes said looking for Robredo’s replacement is an uphill climb.

He said he admired Robredo’s honesty and work ethic.

“Robredo was a model public servant. He lived a simple life. He was credible, honest, indefatigable, and a good family man,” Paredes said.

The Cebu City Council recalled that Robredo worked with the city  government in helping urban poor families  especially those involved in the 93-1 lot dispute and the Mahiga creek settlers whose shanties were demolished.

“We sincerely express the Cebu City Council’s deepest sympathy and condolence to the bereaved family of Secretary Jesse Robredo for this unfortunate demise of a beloved father and husband and to join our Fellow Filipino as the entire nation deeply grieves for the loss of the most highly respected and credible leaders the country has ever had,” said their resolution introduced by Councilor Alvin Dizon.

Robredo was cited one of the country’s exemplary leaders who helped transform Naga City into one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines.

He was known for his advocacies in people empowerment, ethical leadership and good government.

“This unfortunate and untimely demise of a well-respected public servant is a great loss to the country and to the Filipinos,” the council said.

Rep. Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing of Cebu’s 6th district also condoled with Robredo’s family and hailed Capt. Bahinting for his selfless service to others.

Capt. Bahinting flew in anti-venom medicine from Camiguin province for a Cebu City zoo worker that was bitten by a King Cobra.

“We won’t forget the service Capt. Bahinting rendered for his community and his country.” Quisumbing said.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza said she knew what the Robredo family felt since she lost her brother-in-law, the father of her nephew Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Radaza, in  a plane crash.

“Our prayers are with him and his family. The country has lost a catalyst of good governance…To the two pilots and their families, our prayers are with them too,” Radaza said.