DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo was the keynote speaker during the closing and recognition program of the Bicol University Graduate School (BUGS) and Bicol Consortium for Development Initiatives (BCDI) Capacity Building Program via the Diploma in Local Government Management course held yesterday, November 24 at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City.

Speaking before the 2^nd batch of scholars who successfully completed the course as well as other guests from sending partner institutions, Sec. Robredo shared his experiences on transformational governance.  He said it is good to dream of changing the whole world but it is important to be realistic and first take a look at one’s own community.

Referring to the success stories of former governors Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and Grace Padaca of Isabela, he said that these two personalities decided to work with small communities and were ready when the opportunity was offered to them to make a difference and demonstrated that good governance works. He said being ready also means demonstrating the capacity to deliver the outcomes starting in one’s own local jurisdiction, and building capacities and strengths.

In like manner, Sec. Robredo reminded the graduates that in order to be ready to transform local communities, it is important to have the strength to transform and to stand on good and solid grounds. “In order to initiate reforms, it is important to be reminded of what you want to do and what you want to be.” Sec. Robredo further told the graduates.

On a final note, he congratulated the 28 scholars and challenged them to continue to be of service to the people where they serve as their graduation is not only a way to improve themselves but also a way to become more effective agents of change starting from their own local communities, thereby putting more meaning to one’s existence.

Back when he was still mayor of Naga City, Sec. Robredo was one of the professors of Bicol University Graduate School and the first batch of scholars under this diploma course was lucky to have him as their professor. – (AO IV Ma. Grace Joy Tango)