The legacy of late former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo continues to shape the future of Naga City following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of the city as a Highly Urbanized City (HUC), a milestone many residents see as rooted in the governance reforms pioneered by Robredo during his years as mayor.
Naga City, long regarded as one of the country’s most progressive local government units, recently received recognition through the move to elevate its status into a highly urbanized city pending ratification in a plebiscite, in accordance with the Local Government Code.
For many Bicolanos, the development reflects the enduring impact of Robredo’s leadership style, which emphasized transparency, participatory governance, and people-centered public service. Before serving in the national government, Robredo transformed Naga City into a model of local governance, earning both national and international recognition for innovative reforms and citizen participation programs.
Robredo served as mayor of Naga City for several terms before being appointed DILG secretary under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. His governance approach later became closely associated with what many supporters called the “Naga governance model,” centered on accountability and grassroots participation.
His death in a plane crash off Masbate in August 2012 shocked the nation and left a lasting mark on Philippine politics and public service. Despite his passing, his influence remained visible in Naga City’s political and civic culture.
In an essay published years after his death, former Vice President Leni Robredo reflected on how her husband’s life and death changed both their family and the public’s understanding of leadership. She described Jesse Robredo as a public servant who believed leadership should be grounded in humility, integrity, and genuine concern for communities.
The Robredo name continues to be deeply connected to Naga City, where several public initiatives and infrastructure projects carry his legacy. Earlier this year, President Marcos Jr. also inspected the renovation and retrofitting plans for the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, recognizing the facility’s importance as both a public venue and evacuation center.
Local officials and residents have expressed hope that Naga’s push toward becoming a highly urbanized city will further strengthen economic growth, infrastructure development, and independent governance. Supporters also view the development as symbolic of the city’s continued rise decades after Robredo helped reshape it into one of the country’s most admired local governments.
As Naga enters a new chapter, many residents continue to associate the city’s progress with the values Jesse Robredo championed throughout his life — honest governance, active citizenship, and service above politics.
