Messages of condolences flooded social media on Monday after the announcement of the passing of former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.
Malacanang, in a statement made thru Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, said it mourns for her passing.
“The Palace deeply grieves the demise of one of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s most passionate Cabinet members whose environmental advocacy and legacy remain unparalleled to this day.”
Panelo particularly cited Lopez’s fierce fight against the “powerful interests” in the mining sector as well as in the industries having a negative effect on the country’s ecology.
Gina Lopez was one of the trending topics on Twitter with 25,000 tweets about her on the social media platform.
ABS-CBN broadcaster and anchor Karen Davila, in her tweet, gave her salute to Lopez for “choosing to live a life full of passion, joy & love.”
A LIFE WELL LIVED ?? Salute to Gina Lopez for choosing to live a life full of passion, joy & love. Her energy, strength & positivity is such an inspiration. We LOVE YOU Gina ? You are AMAZING GRACE until your last days #kapamilya pic.twitter.com/jgsLp11NVW
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) August 18, 2019
Senator Risa Hontiveros also cited how Lopez fought “with everything she had against big polluters”.
“She’ll always be remembered that way: as a fighter whose legacy will be remembered by many,” she said in her tweet.
Gina fought with everything she had against big polluters.
She’ll always be remembered that way: as a fighter whose legacy will be remembered by many.
Salamat, Gina. Rest in peace. ✊???https://t.co/guva6SZRZr
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) August 18, 2019
Environmental group Greenpeace Philippines tweeted how “Mother Earth lost one of its fearless environmental defenders,”.
Today, Mother Earth lost one of its fearless environmental defenders whose selfless love for humanity and nature will never cease to inspire us.
Rest in power, dear friend Secretary Gina Lopez ? pic.twitter.com/Yr8sshf70t
— Greenpeace Philippines (@gpph) August 19, 2019
According to the statement from ABS-CBN, there will be a public viewing at the La Mesa Eco Park on Aug. 22 to 23.
Photo credit: Presidential Spokesperson Facebook Page
