As the Philippines mourns the untimely death of Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government, the United Nations in the Philippines honoured the late government official for his exemplary public service and for being a champion of good governance.

“He is an inspiration of commitment to duty and principled leadership,” said Ugochi Daniels, UNFPA Country Representative, who is also acting as the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines.

UNFPA worked with the DILG in building the capacity of local government planners in population data collection and management in 30 municipalities and one city in the Philippines during the 6th Country Programme.

The partnership resulted in the strengthening of community development plans in those local government units through the integration of population and development issues in the planning process. The department has been very transparent in its engagement with UNFPA, one that exemplifies the character of the department's leadership.