Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughters, Aika and Jillian, joined the commemorative program for the 7th death anniversary of her late husband, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo in Naga City. Photo courtesy of the OVP

Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughters, Aika and Jillian, joined the commemorative program for the 7th death anniversary of her late husband, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo in Naga City. Photo courtesy of the OVP

Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughters, Aika and Jillian, joined the commemorative program for the 7th death anniversary of her late husband, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo in Naga City. Photo courtesy of the OVP

Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughters, Aika and Jillian, joined the commemorative program for the 7th death anniversary of her late husband, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo in Naga City. Photo courtesy of the OVP

Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughters, Aika and Jillian, joined the commemorative program for the 7th death anniversary of her late husband, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo in Naga City. ABS-CBN News

NAGA -- Late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo believed that real leaders strive to make their followers greater than them, his widow Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday, as she led the commemoration of his 7th death anniversary here in their hometown.

"Noong nabubuhay pa iyong asawa ko, parati niya sa aming sinasabi na una, walang monopoly ng husay, na dapat iyong lahat nabibigyan ng pagkakataon," the Vice President told the crowd at the event in front of the Museo ni Jesse Robredo.

(When my husband was still alive, he would always tell us that first, there is no monopoly on excellence, that everyone should be given a chance.)

"Iyung test ng real na leadership, kung naging daan ka para iyong mga nakapalibot sa iyo, mas naging mahusay pa sa iyo,” she added.

(The test of real leadership is whether or not you had been an avenue so that those around you would be greater than you.)

She thanked local officials for following the example of Jesse, a former mayor of Naga.

"Noong umalis iyong asawa ko, lalo pa nilang pinagbuti kung anuman iyong mga naumpisahan. Iyong sa akin, buong-buo iyong aming pasasalamat," she said.

(When my husband left, they improved what he had started. Our gratitude is full.)

Two of Robredo's 3 daughters, Aika and Jillian, joined relatives, friends and colleagues at the Mass and wreath-laying ceremony for their father.

"Para ma-honor ang kanyang memory, everyday kailangan naming subukan na maging mas magaling pa… Sana 'yung ibang na-inspire niya, alalahanin din siya, o i-honor din ang kanyang memory sa ganung paraan," said Aika.

(To honor his memory, we need to try to be better every day. I hope that the people he inspired would honor his memory this way.)

Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash on in the sea off Masbate City on August 12, 2018. He was known for wearing slippers, which his supporters interpreted as a sign of humility and accessibility to the people.

Salingoy Art Group's paintings inspired by the late official were on display at the Museo ni Jesse Robredo. -- Report from Mylce Mella, ABS-CBN News