LP’s Robredo reaches out to Geronas in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Camarines Sur Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Liberal Party’s candidate for vice president, is touching base in Cebu.

On Thursday, she is set to meet members of the Gerona clan in a reunion in the northern town of Tabuelan. The reunion, which will take place at the town’s sports complex, will be hosted by Mayor Rex Casiano Gerona and brother, Vice Mayor Raul Gerona. Both are the sons of the late Tabuelan mayor Casiano Dabalos Gerona.

Robredo is expected to arrive at the venue at 8 a.m., said lawyer Aniceta Pasaylo, former provincial secretary.

Robredo’s ancestors are reportedly from the town of Bulan in the Province of Sorsogon.

“Relatives of whatever family names having Gerona roots in the Province of Cebu are enjoined and encouraged to attend the reunion,” Pasaylo said.

 Aside from Tabuelan, other areas in Cebu where the family name Gerona is present include Bogo City, San Remigio, Borbon, Tabogon, Tuburan, Cebu City, and Mandaue City.

 Pasaylo said Robredo purposely set the schedule to meet her relatives as early as June this year. The meetings are being organized by the Geronas of San Isidro, Davao Oriental.

Although Robredo was born and raised in Naga City in Camarines Sur, her father, retired Regional Trial (RTC) Court Judge Antonio Gerona (deceased), came from a big clan of Geronas in Bulan.

 In Bulan, family members of the Gerona clan are numerous, from ordinary folk to teachers, businessmen, and politicians.

Robredo was shoved into spotlight when her husband, the late Interior and Local Government secretary Jesse M. Robredo, died in a plane crash in Masbate in 2012.  (FREEMAN)