Gina Lopez’s death is what many are talking about in the mining sector in the Philippine. Gina Lopez was a Staunch eco-campaigner and former Philippine Environment Minister before her death.
Gina Lopez Death: Gina Lopez Cause Of Death – How Anti-Mining Advocate Died
At the moment, full details about how Gina Lopez died are sketchy. Reports say she died from multiple organ failure at the age of 65.
On the other hand, Television network ABS-CBN said Gina Lopez passed away early Monday, August 19 after battling brain cancer. She was 65.
What was Gina Lopez known for?
Gina Lopez was known for her strong stance against mining. She closed down many of the country’s quarries during her ten months in office in 2016.
YaahooJournalist reports that the late Gina Lopez led a crackdown on mining in Philippine, a country known for its nickel ore production. Gina Lopez did this under President Rodrigo Duterte’s government
Gina Lopez closed 23 mines and suspended five others, as well as banning open-pit mining.
A campaign led by the country’s mining industry, followed, which argued the move threatened the lives of some 1.2 million people who depended on the industry.
A congressional committee rejected Gina Lopez’s appointment as environment secretary and she was forced to step down after 10 months in the role.
Before her death, Gina Lopez was also an advocate for children’s rights and protection.
ABS-CBN, the broadcasting company Gina Lopez family founded, said she was a “pillar of strength”.
Gina Lopez was chair of the company’s social development organisation.
“Her caring heart and selfless kind of love inspired people within and beyond the organisation to help and serve others,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.
Read touching tributes from friends and loved ones who adored Gina Lopez…
Senator Bam Aquino, a Filipino politician, and social entrepreneur said Gina Lopez “created generations of environmental warriors and inspired Filipinos to unite for a common cause”.
“She taught me that no effort is too small to change the world. Her life’s work has created generations of environmental warriors and inspired Filipinos to unite for a common cause, even in politically turbulent times.
“Maraming salamat, Ma’am Gina Lopez. We will miss you.”
She taught me that no effort is too small to change the world. Her life's work has created generations of environmental warriors and inspired Filipinos to unite for a common cause, even in politically turbulent times.
Maraming salamat, Ma'am Gina Lopez. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/8lzy4i5wTq
— Bam Aquino (@bamaquino) August 19, 2019
Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement: “News has reached the Office of the President that former Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Regina Paz L. Lopez has passed, and it is with a heavy heart that we express our sincerest condolences to her family, relatives, friends, and loved ones.”
“The Palace 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,” he added.
“Generations of indigenous peoples have defended ancestral lands against the encroachment of large-scale mines and other forms of development aggression, but the concentrated power, wealth, and resources of big business and their allied politicians have made it an uphill struggle. Gina Lopez was a rare ally,” said indigenous peoples group Sandugo.
Environmental group Kalikasan said: “Gina remains as the sole proof that meaningful change can be done through unabashed political will at the helm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. We may never see someone who can unite the entire country in a rallying cry to save the environment the way Gina did ever again.”
Lactation expert Nona Andaya-Castillo said: “I had to resign from the job for some personal reasons but we saw each other on several events. During these encounters, she greeted me warmly and gently reminded me to dress well to be an effective advocate, ahahaha,” Castillo fondly recalled.
Sandugo expressed hopes that more public officials to have a “heart like hers.”
“Sensitive to the futures of children and ecologies, ready to defend them with passion and urgency, and unafraid to step beyond material and social trappings in extending solidarity to those suffering in the margins,” the group said.
