By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday commended the late philanthropist Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez not just for being a staunch environment advocate but also for her remarkable contribution to the country’s education sector.
Former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Gina Lopez (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Issuing a statement, Education Secretary Leonor Briones lauded Lopez, former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary and chairperson of ABS-CBN Foundation, who passed away on August 19 at the age of 65.
READ MORE: Former DENR secretary Gina Lopez passes away at 65
Briones said DepEd “expresses its sincerest condolences” to the family and friends of Lopez. She fondly remembers the former DENR chief – who was also a philanthropist – for her “relentless passion for environmental protection and unparalleled tenacity in working for children’s welfare and human rights”.
Briones said that Lopez, who stood side-by-side with her on advancing environmental causes, “will always be remembered for her professionalism, leadership, selflessness, and sense of humor.”
The DepEd chief also described that the late environment secretary as a “delightful person who managed to be cordial even with people who have a different take on the causes that she advocated.”
“DepEd is grateful to Lopez for her contribution to the education sector, specifically on enriching the curriculum with updated lessons on environmental awareness and protection — one of the core values we hope to inculcate among our Filipino learners,” Briones ended.