To my Sisters and Brothers in Alpha Phi Omega:
Let me start by quoting what our late Bro. Jesse Robredo has said about leadership, to wit:
“The most important ingredient of leadership is character. Most of the proficiencies can be learned, but what's inside you is something that's difficult to change.”
A month and again 2 weeks prior to the 2010 Presidential Elections, Bro. Jesse and I talked about the presidential candidacy of the then Senator and now President Noynoy Aquino. We tackled, not the political side of the candidacy but the advocacy that is being sought to be supported. There was a discussion about good governance and integrity. On Election Day, the people have spoken. We all want change and reforms. We want better lives and a clean government.
When Bro. Jesse was appointed Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, I’ve had the privilege of supporting his programs at the DILG, and this opportunity was given me by the National Liga ng mga Barangay as its then legal counsel. I've seen him work, talk and move around, and we had text exchanges. He would always offer the APO handshake in public and other government functions. He has exemplified integrity in his words and actions. He was straightforward and definitely a statesman and a people’s man.
True to his words, what was inside him was difficult to change for he has the leadership with a strong character. His being a cabinet official, holding key positions with enormous powers and so much responsibilities, never changed him. He remained the friendly and approachable Bro. Jesse, an action man and a true friend.
There was an APO in him that called our attention. When we made a courtesy call on him, and handed him an APO pin, if only that pin was big enough to embrace it, he might have done so. Among those present at his office were some past National Presidents and past national officers, he talked of leadership and service. He was exemplifying the APO principles and ideals.
As I look around the people at the final services held at Malacañang before his remains were brought home to Naga City, I could see in the eyes of everyone the sorrow that permeated through, and I could hear in the countless conversations the words like “sayang”, “magaling sana na presidente”, “down to earth”, “mabait na ama”, etcetera. All were referring to Bro. Jesse. I know somehow, among those present, there are fellow APO in attendance, and just like me, in the midst of grief, I was proud to be an APO, because Bro. Jesse who is being honored by no less the President of the Philippines, and all other high government officials also present, is an APO, who in his lifetime, conducted himself as what an APO should be.
There is always a reason why some people would go ahead of those who still remain in this world. Bro. Jesse may no longer be with us, but the principles he stood for and the legacy he has given us with, have so much rippling and cascading effect upon us all. Because of him, he made us prouder as members of APO.
Bro. Jesse wasn't alone. There are countless other sisters and brothers, who may have passed away, but still, their memories are with us, and their good turns and deeds are still being talked about and emulated. We salute all of them. They have made history for Alpha Phi Omega.
As for us who are living, pretty much alive indeed and enjoying what life has to offer, we can do so many such good turns, and good deeds. Together, we can, not only make a difference, but also and more significantly, transform and not merely reform a rotten system into something that is transparent and which exudes integrity.
As we commemorate the 89th Year Founding Anniversary of Alpha Phi Omega, let pause, reflect and pray – be thankful to Our Supreme and Divine God and Creator, and plead for discernment and guidance as well as strength and determination - to move on, move forward and move upward to the peak of Leadership with Integrity, Sincere Friendship and Genuine Service. More than ever, let us firmly grasp the hands of each other as a family in Alpha Phi Omega, and make our circle stronger.
May we always be!
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