Gone but not forgotten.
Vice President Leni Robredo was not able to come home in her hometown of Naga City to commemorate the 9th death anniversary of her late husband Jesse Robredo, the city’s longtime mayor.
The vice president has missed for two years now Jesse’s death anniversary, including his birthdays, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a Facebook post, Robredo shared a recent photo of her visiting her husband’s tomb at the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park, saying she still feels his presence.
“9 years. I visited his grave two weeks early. Two birthdays and two death anniversaries that we weren’t/aren’t in Naga because of the ECQ,” she wrote.
“But he is always where we are. He never left.”
Jesse died in a plane crash in 2012. He left behind Robredo and their three daughters — Aika, Tricia and Jilian.
READ: Jesse Robredo as a father; his 3 daughters reminisce
The late President Benigno Aquino III in 2015 signed a law declaring August 18 as Jesse Robredo Day. It is a special non-working holiday in Naga City, where Jesse served as mayor for 19 years.
For Aika, the eldest among the Robredo sisters, her “papa’s” love continues to guide the family.
“It has been 9 years since Papa’s passing, and his love continues to be a guiding force through life’s many storms. Please include him in your prayers today (heart and praying emojis),” her Instagram post said.
The post was accompanied by two black-and-white photos, which looks to be taken while it’s raining, of the four of them.
The first photo was of them facing the camera with the former interior secretary’s final resting place behind them. The second photo showed their backs to the camera as they face his tomb.
Aika said the photos were taken in November last year, which was the last time all four of them were in their hometown of Naga. While the vice president stays in Quezon City with Aika and Tricia, the youngest Jillian is currently studying in New York City.
Jillian, youngest daughter of Robredo, also posted an online message remembering her father. "9 years. Always and forever Jesse's girls," she said.
On Jesse’s death anniversary, an online mass was held Wednesday. The mass, aired live through the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation Facebook page, was celebrated by Father Ben Nebres, SJ.
The vice president thanked the people who attended the mass to commemorate Jesse's death anniversary. She also thanked Nebres for celebrating the special mass.
"Jesse worked very closely with Father Ben in pushing for reforms in education and the local governments. It is a source of great joy and pride for all of us that Father Ben is with us today in remembering Jesse," she said.
Robredo also urged those whom Jesse left behind to "make sure that we live out the values that he fought for when he was still alive."
"We also thank everyone for joining us in this journey that started nine years ago. We hope to still work with you in the years to come," she said.