Her successor Roy Cimatu remembers Lopez as a “very strict environmentalist.” He also recalled how she sang her signature song “I Believe I Can Fly” when she turned over the post to him.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 19) — Tributes are pouring in for staunch environmental advocate and philanthropist Gina Lopez.
Palace mourned the death of Lopez, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as Environment Secretary but later rejected by the Commission on Appointments.
“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,” Presidential spokesperson Sal Panelo said on Monday.
Malacañang gave honor to Lopez who staunchly campaigned against open-pit mining in the country. Duterte previously said she was probably rejected by the Commission on Appointments in March 2017 after 11 months in office because “she came too strong on the business in the mining industry.”
“(She) took the bull by the horns when she fiercely fought powerful interests in the mining sector, as well as in industries having a negative effect on our ecology. She would be greatly missed,” it said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros praised Lopez’ guts to go against the “big polluters.”
“She’ll always be remembered that way: as a fighter whose legacy will be remembered by many. Salamat, Gina. Rest in peace,” she tweeted.
Former Senator JV Ejercito also echoed the same sentiments.
“She is one lady whose courage we will never forget,” he said.
Netizens also sent their messages of love to Lopez.
“I will not forget your advocacies for a better environment for our country. I will not also forget your song during our turn over in May 2017, the song, “I Believe I Can Fly.” So, Sec. Gina, FLY NOW,” he said in a statement.
Lopez died on Monday after battling brain cancer, ABS-CBN Corporation said. She was 65. In lieu of flowers and mass cards, the family is requesting that donations be made to the ABS-CBN Foundation.
The late Gina Lopez was fond of the song 'I Believe I Can Fly'
She sang it after the Commission on Appointments rejected her appointment as Environment Secretary in May 2017 https://t.co/dhClzLJa4m pic.twitter.com/sad6bNpLe7
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) August 19, 2019
OH, NO.
Gina Lopez, ex-Environment Sec., yoga missionary, activist, & philanthropist, died Monday, at 65.
Remember when she sang "I Believe I Can Fly" even after rejection by CA for DENR Top Post?
She always found a reason to be happy. Why do the good ones have to go so early? pic.twitter.com/RriAHJhUUl
— Francis Baraan IV (@MrFrankBaraan) August 18, 2019
I look up to this woman since I was young. 😥
A true environmentalist and one of Earth's #fearless warriors!
RIP Ms. Gina Lopez 💔 pic.twitter.com/iuOhLdylos— ish and ish (@ishLopez) August 18, 2019
Life could actually be quiet, while resisting environmental rights a lot of us didn't notice you were also resisting brain cancer. Thank you so much for the filipino service Ms. Gina Lopez you are such an inspiration. May you rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/uU4spJGfpm
— Kyro Mondragon (@KyroMondragon) August 18, 2019
No crown nor degree finished about environment, just a pure heart to protect the nature. Si Ms Gina Lopez ang tunay na Miss Earth ng Pilipinas. #RIPGinaLopez pic.twitter.com/i87cmwRzVy
— cris ramirez (@RamirezCrisKen) August 18, 2019
