Senators remember Gina Lopez's life, advocacies

Senators remembered Monday the advocacy of former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez as they mourned her death.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto described Lopez as a great “secretary of defense of our natural resources.”

“Gina was not a debutante infatuated with green causes to which she had a passing fancy. She was a lifelong warrior for Mother Earth. She walked her talk, be it in defense of helpless children or displaced communities, or in nursing back to life polluted waters or ravaged forests,” he said.

Recto said even before climate change became a buzzword, Lopez was already warning the public about this threat to mankind and the best way to honor her is to "heed what she tried to teach us."

He said while in government, Lopez’ habit of "speaking the inconvenient truth to power was actually a strength, and not a character flaw in a bureaucracy straitjacketed by niceties."

“Paalam, Gina. May our life be as colorful as the earth you always imagined it to be : blue skies, green mountains, crystal clear waters, and the riot of colors we see in the wildlife you spent a whole life protecting,” he said.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Lopez has always been a good friend of every Filipino, rich and poor, and a real warrior for the conservation, protection of the environment.

He said being the chief of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission is just one of the many tasks Lopez carried out well as part of the government.

He said when disaster struck, Lopez extended her  hands to help others and even as a very young heiress of a media empire, she thought of their responsibility to the Filipino masses.

“She never shirked from a real patriot's duty to say the truth. Her G Diaries series is a testament to her calling to protect Mother Nature. This was often evident when environmental destruction caused by irresponsible mining and other forms of over-extraction of natural resources was at issue,” he said.

Senator Grace Poe said Lopez taught the Filipinos love for mankind and the environment.

“Thank you for touching our lives in your impassioned way. May our prayers bring you peace and your family, comfort,” she said.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said Lopez was a woman of courage, a firebrand.

He said, at the Senate, they stood by her appointment for DENR secretary because they believed that such an important position should be held by someone who understands how critical it is to prioritize the environment and unafraid to butt heads with heavyweights who are harming the natural resources.

“She was all that. In or out of government, her life was about tireless creativity for all our collective future, through our children and our environment. Rest well and rest in peace, Gina. You did well in helping transform thousands of lives and it was a privilege to have worked alongside you in helping change our world,” said Pangilinan.

The Commission on Appointments did not confirm the appointment of Lopez.

But for Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, Lopez was the confirmed environment secretary of the people, the minister for sustainable development, and the ambassador for children’s rights because of her selfless works.

He said Lopez did not preach what she did not practice and was not a Powerpoint crusader but a living example of how to live a life that will not bankrupt  earth’s resources to support the people.

“She was a one-person green warrior who took the fight to where it matters – in boardrooms,  chatrooms,  government offices, and in her favorite office – out in the open, under a forest canopy or underwater, where she was in her element with people she loved in a country she never gave up hope on,” he said.

Senator Richard Gordon expressed sadness on the passing of Lopez as she was a staunch advocate of significant and meaningful causes for the country.

“She stood her ground firmly on issues she felt needed to be addressed. Kate and I commiserate and condole with her family and pray that her soul rest in peace with God,” he said.

Senator Leila de Lima expressed belief the world will never forget the woman who, from a life of privilege, found her calling among those who have the least - in the slums, among the abused, and with the indigenous communities devastated by the destruction of their ancestral domains.

“Today, we bid farewell to a warrior. The mountains and the seas that she loved have beckoned and so she must go,” she said.

She said Lopez was unwavering in her decision to close mining sites in watersheds and remained undaunted in her advocacy to protect the environment, even after the rejection of her appointment as DENR Secretary.

“Gina’s passion was contagious and her commitment to make this world a better place, an inspiration. The legacy she left will be a beacon in these dark times, guiding us through seemingly insurmountable odds, as we continue the struggle for truth, justice and peace,” she said.

Senator Bong Go remembered Lopez as a passionate, dedicated, and humble public servant and as an Earth warrior.

“She was a fearless advocate and a tireless philanthropist, dedicating most of her life for the betterment of her fellow Filipinos.  Her exceptional dedication in protecting our environment has no equal today,” he said.

Former senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said Lopez is one lady whose courage he will never forget.

“She created ripples that raised awareness and concern of people on environmental issues. She alone didn’t back down against powerful and politically influential mining magnates. Whatever they say, she is indeed a woman of courage,” he said. —LDF, GMA News