MILAN, Italy - Bicolanos in Milan were stunned with the death of a man they considered the father of Bicolandia, former Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo.
Around 60 Bicolanos in Milan held a candle lighting ceremony at the Piazza Duomo and prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of the former mayor.
The gesture, according to them, was their way of thanking the person who truly loved the poor and made Naga as a world-class city.
Mildred Alforte, a former employee of the Department of Education in Naga, said Robredo was very accommodating and served the people of Naga with humility and honesty.
“Nandun siya sa pinaka seat ng local government pero ang rapport niya sa mga constituents, very down to earth,” said Alforte.
Meanwhile, Kate del Rosario, a former schoolmate of Robredo's daughter, Patricia, at the Colegio de Santa Isabel, grieves with the bereaved family.
Del Rosario encouraged Patricia to be strong now that her Dad's gone.
“Alam ko, sa panahon ngayon, mahirap tanggapin na maaga siyang nawala pero dapat mo’ng ipagpatuloy ang buhay mo. Malay mo, maging isang katulad ka rin niya na handang maglingkod sa bayan,” she said.
She added that Nagauenos are very proud of Robredo for transforming Naga City.
Meanwhile, the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) - Milan also expressed sympathy to Robredo's family.
Briggs Brijuegga, an APO member, said the fraternity will follow the good example set by Robredo when it comes to implementing its programs.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
