Ex-DENR secretary Gina Lopez dies of multiple organ failure

Former Environment Secretary Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez succumbed to multiple organ failure as she joined the creator at the age of 65 on Monday, August 19.

Through a statement, ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI), which she has chaired for years, referred to her as a “champion for the environment, child protection, and the disadvantaged.”

“She exemplified a life of service to humanity with a deep desire to improve people’s lives, rallied for social justice, and sought to bring hope and change to poor communities,” it added.

ABS-CBN corporation called her its “pillar of strength” that pushed the corporate giant 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 server others,” it continued.

The current chairman of the Kapamilya network, Mark Lopez, who is also the late environmental advocate’s cousin said that he did not just lose a “family member but a person we deeply admire and respect.”

“At an age when people are just figuring out what they want to do in life, she already knew her purpose. She left a comfortable life to devote her time and energy to help uplift other people’s lives,” he recalled.

The Palace through Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also released a statement upon hearing the news, expressing its “sincerest condolences to her family, relatives, friends and loved ones.|

Malacañang said that it “deeply grieves the demise of one of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s most passionate Cabinet members whose environmental advocacy and legacy remains unparalleled to this day.”

“She would be greatly missed,” Panelo added.

The spokesperson also lauded Lopez’s orders of suspension in the mining sector for the violation of environment laws, when she was still a member of the Cabinet.

“As we pay tribute and give honor to this warrior and advocate, we fervently pray for the Almighty to grant her eternal repose. May the perpetual light shine upon her,” Panelo said.

According to ABS-CBN, one of the projects that Lopez pioneered is Bantay Bata 163, a social welfare program of AFI that rescues children who are victims of abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.

Other than her Environment secretary stint, her reputation for being a green advocate was also known with her Bantay Kalikasan program.