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.”
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.
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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