By Raymund Antonio
In various ways, Vice President Leni Robredo does her part in helping the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) full on, but she knows she just can’t do it alone.
Vice President Leni Robredo
(OVP / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Robredo, a leader of the opposition, acknowledged she was “nothing” without the support of people who come together and find solution against COVID-19.
From her staff, volunteers, supporters, to every private citizen who responded to her call, Robredo commended their efforts to rise above adversity in this time of health crisis.
“Masuwerte ako (I’m lucky) to be surrounded by deeply committed young people who are only too willing to give so much of themselves para makapagsilbi (to serve). Without them and without the generous hearts of our partners, I’m nothing,” she wrote.
The vice president was replying to a Facebook post of Filipino musician Yan Yuzon, the lead vocalist of the band, Archipelago.
Surprised by Robredo’s message, Yuzon shared it on Facebook, with a caption: “This is what true leadership looks like. It is humble. It is thankful. It is sincere. It gives credit where credit is due.”
“She makes me want to give back to my country. She makes me proud to be a Filipino,” he said.
Robredo’s humility and people-centered leadership have gained attention on social media, with many netizens liking and sharing the post.
The vice president has been sharing inspiring stories of volunteers and partner-donors to show how grateful she is for their “compassion, kindness, and generosity“ in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On her weekly radio show, Robredo spoke of a COVID-19 patient who contacted her office to make cash donations despite his ailing condition.
“Nasa ospital na siya, gusto niya magdonate ng pera. So binigay namin sa kaniya iyong mga platforms, pero alam mo iyon na nasa ospital ka na, tested positive, ang iniisip mo pa kung papaano makatulong sa iba (While he is in the hospital, he wants to donate money. So we gave him the platforms, but you know while he is in the hospital, where he tested positive, he still thinks of how to help others),” she said.
Given its limited resources, Robredo’s office has been making its own efforts to help COVID-19 frontliners by providing them free shuttle service, dormitory, food packs, and protective gears.