MANILA, Philippines - It’s the 55th birthday of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo on Monday and his hometown Naga City will have something to remember him by: his special commemorative stamp.
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) announced yesterday that it will launch Robredo’s special commemorative stamp in Naga City, Camarines Sur on Monday.
The commemorative stamp highlights Robredo’s signature photo with a picture of the late President Manuel Quezon and the Quezon Service Cross, which was awarded to Robredo in recognition to his exemplary service to the nation.
The award is the highest recognition given by the state to any Filipino and only the President of the Philippines can nominate individuals for the award, with the concurrence of Congress.
His widow Congresswoman-elect Leni Robredo and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provided the official photograph used in the stamp.
PHLPost will release 400,000 pieces of the Robredo stamp and will sell it at P10 apiece. It will be available to the public for one year.
“The Jesse M. Robredo commemorative stamp is a fitting tribute to a humble leader, a dear friend and a great public servant whose life and legacy shall be a source of inspiration and pride by every common Filipino,†PHLPost Postmaster General Josefina Dela Cruz said.
Robredo became the youngest local chief executive in the country in 1988 when he was elected Mayor of Naga City at age 29.
He was known for his simplicity and forthright style of governance and with the people’s support and participation made Naga City the premier city of the Bicol Region.
He was appointed as DILG secretary on July 9, 2010 after serving as mayor of Naga City for 19 years.
He died on Aug. 18, 2012 in a plane crash off Masbate after an official engagement in Cebu City. The whole nation mourned his sudden passing and he was given a state funeral.