Philanthropist and Former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has been confirmed to have passed away on Monday, August 19, due to multiple organ failure. She was 65 years old.
Gina has made a number of contributions to the Filipino nation throughout her life. She founded the ABS-CBN Foundation, created the Bantay Bata 163 helpline to aid children who suffer from child abuse, established Bantay Kalikasan, and instituted the Investments in Loving Organizations for Village Economies (iLOVE) Foundation which helped impoverished communities set up environmentally conscious businesses.
She also produced educational television shows for children, including Sineskwela.
Her environmental advocacies involved initiating the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, the reforestation of the La Mesa Watershed Reservation, and the Save Palawan Movement that aimed to protect Palawan against mining.
(ALSO READ: Inspiring: Gina Lopez Invites Everyone to Lend a Hand to Those in Need)
“Gina Lopez was a champion for the environment, child protection, and the disadvantaged. She exemplified a life of service to humanity with a deep desire to improve people’s lives, rallied for social injustice, and sought to bring hope and change to poor communities,” the ABS-CBN Foundation wrote in a statement announcing her passing.
Her memorial service will be held at La Mesa Eco Park on August 22 and 23 from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M.
Rest in peace, Gina Lopez
