The entire Filipino nation, together with the Ateneo de Manila community most profoundly mourns the passing away of the late Jesse Manalastas Robredo, Secretary of Interior and Local Government (DILG) of the Republic of the Philippines (2010 to 2012). He is a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Government Service (2000), Mayor of Naga City for 18 years, alumnus of the Ateneo de Naga, loving husband of Attorney Maria Leonor (Leni) Gerona-Robredo, and loving father of Jessica Marie (BSME 2008), Janine Patricia (3BSHealth Sciences), and Jillian Therese (Naga City Science High School).
Despite his untimely demise, the University prays that his exemplary career in public service will inspire many others to step up to the plate of good governance in approximation of the inimitable way Secretary Jesse did, and to continue his campaign for progressive government service and authentic national development. — Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ