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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ople's passing mourned by int'l community

Ople's passing mourned by int'l community

Published Aug 23, 2023 02:11 am

The international community is mourning the passing of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Toots Ople, who they described as a champion for labor rights and migrant workers.

The ambassadors of Canada, US, UK, Japan, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland and the European Union were among those who first expressed their condolences to Ople's family and the Filipino people.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said he was shocked and saddened to learn of Ople's death and hoped that her memories of her dedicated service would become a blessing to her loved ones.

The Canadian Embassy in Manila described the late secretary as "a valuable partner in advancing our two countries' common goals in promoting responsible and ethical recruitment, and protecting migrant workers' rights and welfare."

"Ople was a staunch advocate against trafficking-in-persons, a thematic priority shared by Canada and the Philippines. While we mourn her passing, we join her family & colleagues in celebrating her commitment to the protection of migrant workers' rights," the embassy said in a statement.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the humanitarian work of Ople, who was awarded with US State Department the 2013 Trafficking in Person Heroes Award, to champion the rights of Filipino migrant workers "will remain an inspiration."

UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils was also very sad on learning of Ople's passing. She said she and her team "very much enjoyed working with her and admired her passion and vision."

"She was a great champion for labour rights and migrant workers," she added in her post on X.

Ople's absence in the government will also "be deeply felt," according to Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople's family, friends, and the entire DMW community. As a tireless advocate for OFW welfare, her legacy of sincerity and service will forever inspire us," Kazuhiko said.

Ople's "tireless dedication to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of Filipino migrant workers was truly admirable," New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell said.

​EU Ambassador Luc Veron, meanwhile, described the late secretary as someone who "worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of overseas Filipino workers worldwide."

"My heartfelt thoughts go out to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Veron said.

Romanian Ambassador Raduta Matache said Ople was a "highly effective official," who is devoted to the migrant workers and human rights as well as passionate about people and literature.

"Sincere condolences from Germany to the family of Secretary Ople and to the government and the people of the Philippines. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family," said German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke.

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