Robredo on leadership: Character most important

MANILA, Philippines - The late Naga City Mayor and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo once shared what he believes is the most important ingredient in being a leader.

"The most important ingredient of leadership is character. Most of the proficiencies can be learned. It is what is inside you that is difficult to change," he said in a 2009 interview with ANC's Storyline.

"By simply providing that inspiration, sometimes the subordinates are better than their leaders."

Robredo said he is proud of the fact that Naga City has a vocal constituency that is unafraid to voice their opinions on matters of governance.

He cited an instance when the vendors association agreed to a city ordinance raising the rent at the public market by 200% but only if it is done in 2 years' time.

"I think the most important element in engagement is trust. People will be willing to make sacrifices if they trust their governors. People will understand the mistakes of their governors if they trust them. People will not believe their governors, even if they say the right things, if they don't trust the governors," he said.

ANC, August 24, 2012