APD | Palace, environmentalists mourn passing of former Environment Secretary Lopez

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, Aug. 19 (APD) – The Office of the President through its spokesperson Secretary Salvador S. Panelo expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the late Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez who died of a lingering illness at 65 years of age.

In a statement, Malacanang said Secretary Lopez, the 1997 International Public Relations Awardee for Excellence for Environment and 2009 Outstanding Manilan Awardee for Environment “took the bull by its horns” when she clashed with the powerful interests in the mining sector and in industries having a negative effect on ecology.

“She would be greatly missed,” the statement added. The former cabinet secretary was described as “warrior and advocate” by Secretary Panelo.

An obituary posted by ABS-CBN News earlier today,

In a separate statement, Greenpeace Southeast Asia described her as “a staunch ally in the protection of the Philippines’ biodiversity and a dependable partner in the fight for climate justice and environmental rights.”

Called “a prime mover” in their coalitions over the years, Greenpeace Southeast Asia said the most recent was the Green Thumb Coalition, “which sought to ensure government accountability on environmental issues” that plague the country and its people. As cabinet secretary, the late cabinet member “championed people over profit, putting the welfare of the Filipino people over the exploitation and destruction of natural resources by corporate interests” and “served inspiration for her courage and kindness.”

The late government executive hails from an affluent family who controls one of the biggest radio and television network, ABS-CBN among other interests.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)