Former DENR secretary Gina Lopez passed away last night after her battle with brain cancer. She was 65 years old.
ABS-CBN News first made the announcement on their website, calling Gina “the pillar of strength that pushed ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) to achieve what seemed to be impossible. Her caring heart and selfless kind of love inspired people within and beyond the organization to help and serve others.”
Farewell to one of Earth's most stalwart defenders.
Environmental activist Gina Lopez has passed away at the age of 65, ABS-CBN Corporation confirmed. pic.twitter.com/hxOoMlrrRH
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) August 18, 2019
Gina was known for her advocacy against illegal mining in the Philippines. In 2017, she was asked to surrender her position as DENR secretary after the Commission on Appointments deemed her “unfit” for the job. This also came after she ordered the closure of 23 mines in Mindanao and the cancellation of 75 mining contracts. She did so to protect the mountains and the rivers that were being contaminated by the operations.
Despite that, Gina continued to fight and raise environmental awareness. She even became a travel host under ABS-CBN for the show G Diaries. She said back then that she wanted to showcase the Philippines as a “majestic travel destination” and also inform viewers of the importance of environmental protection and preservation.
News of Gina’s passing topped the Philippines’ trending topics, including tweets of condolences and fond memories from her supporters and colleagues.
READ: Palace mourns the death of former environment secretary Gina Lopez. | @NCorralesINQ pic.twitter.com/y4HHFw4RUj
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 18, 2019
Gina fought with everything she had against big polluters.
She’ll always be remembered that way: as a fighter whose legacy will be remembered by many.
Salamat, Gina. Rest in peace. ✊🏼😞💜https://t.co/guva6SZRZr
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) August 18, 2019
We Filipinos will never forget your hardwork as a Former Secretary of DENR.
Rest in Peace Secretary Gina Lopez. pic.twitter.com/vBvFd9QOiN
— BE Voig (@sjbtae) August 18, 2019
I remember Gina Lopez as a passionate and feisty environmental defender whose work against destructive mining forms huge steps towards dismantling of plunder and exploitation of our natural resources and labor. RIP, Ma'am. https://t.co/J6GVXpAt79
— Sarah Elago (@sarahelago) August 18, 2019
No crown nor degree finished about environment, just a pure heart to protect the nature. Si Ms Gina Lopez ang tunay na Miss Earth ng Pilipinas. #RIPGinaLopez pic.twitter.com/i87cmwRzVy
— ken invictus (@Ken_Invictus) August 18, 2019
Rest in peace and thank you for your service, Ms. Gina Lopez.
[Inquirer.net]
Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Operations Office via Wikimedia Commons
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