Cerge Remonde: Humble Beginning, Noble End

Special is the man whose presence touches his crowd with honesty, no matter how painful or joyful his message might be.

The genuine probinsiyano from Cebu, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde earned his way as a media practitioner who was well respected by his audience and his colleagues. His contributions were recognized and will continue to be remembered, along with the way he spoke English with a strong Cebuano accent fluently.

It is rare to be touched by a man just by observing how he handled his jobs and how other people are affected by him through the television, radio and the newspapers. Yet I have been fortunate to witness this first hand during Sir Remonde’s term as Director General of the Presidential Management Staff.  The Information desk people were pleasant and attentive and efficiently referred us to the corresponding unit to handle our concern. Once there, the officer-in-charge discussed with us and gave a focal person and a number for following-up. They even went to the extent of calling up the regional office which was delaying to release the payment for the land that the government was buying from us for the Agno River flood control project without legal and due reasons. Though I never met Sir Cerge face to face, his office was a reflection of his own persona. It was one of the counted moments when I felt secure with and protected by my government.

Speaking for a President whose term was begun by the people’s faith and is ending with an increasing image black smearing campaign definitely required someone with the caliber of a Cerge Remonde. However, the physical demand inevitably took its toll with the temporary stress-relieving but permanently destructive habits of smoking, not having sufficient sleep, and eating accessible but health-unfriendly food. In spite all of these, Sir Cerge was much more than this temporary life we all share, as his last words were those of a prayer. Surely, what he stood and still stands for will stay.