Gina Lopez dies, 65
Local News • 06:45 AM Mon Aug 19, 2019
1
By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
DENR former Sec. Gina Lopez (Photo from ABS-CBN)
MANILA, Philippines – The ABS-CBN Corporation today announced the demise of former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez on Sunday night. She is 65.
She has been battling brain cancer, the announcement said.
“Gina was 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,” ABS-CBN said in a statement posted on its news website.
“While we mourn with Gina’s family and loved ones, we also pray that her legacy continues to live on in the heart of every Kapamilya she had touched in her lifetime,” the statement added.
“We will never forget her and will continue to honor her remarkable contributions not only to ABS-CBN, but the entire nation.”
“Thank you Gina, for showing us how it is to live in the service of the Filipino,” the ABS-CBN statement said.
When she was the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Lopez introduced reforms in the agency and made some contentious decisions.
Her stance against mining earned the ire of big business owners, including lawmakers who rejected her appointment.
She has strongly opposed mining in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
She was reproted to have passed away two days ago but the ABS-CBN denied it.