CamSur Representative Robredo to grace UNEP Graduation Rites

IRIGA CITY--- With all the universities, colleges and schools now in the neck of preparation for the school year’s last hurrah, the selection of Commencement Speakers also proves to be a challenging and thought-provoking task for the organizers.

This year, as the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) celebrates its 66th Graduation rites on April 5 at the UNEP Gymnasium, the committee has chosen an individual who will best exemplify the university’s ideals.  Someone who can best deliver an inspiring message coming from her own experience and share her most treasured values to the 2014 graduates.
 
Most fitting to these qualifications is none other than Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Atty. Maria Leonor Gerona-Robredo, the widow of the late SILG Jesse M. Robredo.  Undoubtedly an empowered woman, Robredo managed to stay calm but firm in the midst of the tragedy that hit her family.  Her strength has inspired many women to face their own challenges head on and move on to rebuild what was lost in their journey.
 
Under this year’s theme: “2014 graduates in the forefront of a seamless economy”, this steadfast lady will relate the role of these year’s graduates and what they can significantly contribute to our economy.
 
Before she entered the political arena, Robredo managed to live a simple but fulfilling life of being a wife and a mother to her three (3) budding teeners.  She managed to help the less privileged individual as a public attorney while at the same time working as coordinator of Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN) in Naga City.
 
Her efforts were not put to waste as SALIGAN was awarded with Kabalikat ng Bayan Award for its exemplary efforts to achieve sustained growth and development through paralegal education and networking. She was also awarded with the title of Most Outstanding Private Prosecutor in 2009 by the Volunteer against Crime and Corruption (VACC) for her campaign to fight lawlessness in the country.
 
Now with the challenging task of serving her constituents at the 3rd District of Camarines Sur and at the same time ensuring that her kids got her care and attention as a mother, Robredo haggles her precious time between public service and fulfilling her personal life’s obligations.
 
Currently, Robredo serves as Senior Vice-Chair of the Committee on Revision of Laws and Vice Chair of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability at the House of Representatives.  She is also a member of various committess: Appropriations, Human Rights, Local Government, People’s Participation, Public Information, Rural Development, Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Welfare of Children, Women and Gender Equality, Bicol Recovery and Economic Development, and Land Use committees.
 
Robredo’s Political Affair Assistant Jonas Cabiles-Soltes shared the Congresswoman’s thoughts that excellence in public service concerns everyone, that how a person behaves becomes how the society acts, that how a leader serves defines how people work together in building the nation.  (UNEP) 
 
Lizel S. Macatangay
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