PH military: Gina Lopez ‘a partner in many advocacies, charity works’

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) paid tribute to former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez who died Monday due to multiple organ failure.

In a statement, AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. recalled how Lopez had been a partner “in the vigorous pursuit of her many advocacies and charity works.”

“Ms. Gina might have left us, but the AFP shall carry on with and continue to be inspired by her aspirations for a clean environment and safe and protected children,” he said.

“The AFP joins the Lopezes and the environment and children-loving Filipinos in this moment of bereavement for the untimely demise of Ms. Regina Paz ‘Gina’ Lopez,” the military chief said.

A staunch environmentalist, Lopez served as environment secretary for 10 months before her appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments.

She was a long-time chairperson of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. and was also the founder of Bantay Bata 163, a social welfare program for disadvantaged children. /je