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Gina Lopez a champion, muse of the Pasig River – PRRC


The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) on Monday expressed their grief over the passing of its former Chairperson Gina Lopez who died at 65 after battling brain cancer.

"She was a great leader, an inspiring mentor, a loving friend, and a colleague full of character... She will always be the champion of Filipino communities and will forever be remembered as the unwavering advocate and muse of the Pasig River," the PRRC said in a statement.

Lopez was the commission's chairperson from 2010 to 2016, during which she led countless projects for the revival of the Pasig River.

The PRRC also credited Lopez for the commission winning the inaugural Asia Riverprize in 2018, with her efforts inspiring initiatives to save and protect the historic river.

The commission vowed to continue her legacy and commitment to the environment.

"There is Gina in all of us," the PRRC proclaimed.

Open heart and mind

Meanwhile, the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development also recognized Lopez's effective leadership at the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

"Her tenacity in pursuing the preservation of the integrity of ecosystems was unwavering, even in the face of criticism. Yet, she kept an open heart and mind to those whose interests she was serving, especially in her time as DENR Secretary," the CEED said in a statement.

"Sec. Gina kept the gates of her office open for vulnerable sectors, indigent communities, and indigenous peoples. Her appointment as Secretary, although abruptly cut short, was so positively impactful that their effects ripple to this today."

In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Lopez to the helm of the DENR.

The Commission on Appointments, however, rejected her appointment in 2017. 

Duterte believed that there was a "conspiracy" behind the rejection because of Lopez's strong advocacy against destructive mining operations in the country.  — Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News

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