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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Mourns The Passing Of DMW Secretary Susan 'Toots' Ople, Calls Her A Champion For Migrant Workers
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, former head of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), stating that the nation has lost a dedicated advocate for migrant workers' rights. Ople's position is deemed irreplaceable due to her immense contributions.
In a private necrological service held at Malacañang Palace’s Kalayaan Hall, President Marcos paid tribute to Secretary Ople's legacy, becoming emotional as he lauded her unwavering dedication to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
"Napaka-malaki ang nawala sa akin, sa inyong lahat, at sa bansang Pilipinas. And if I do shed a tear, it is because it is such a sad day to know – it is such a sad – a bit of knowledge to know that Toots will not be here anymore and what a big gap she will leave not only to our friends, not only to our family but to the millions of those who she took care of, who she loved, and who she worked for tirelessly and endlessly," the President stated.
Despite the challenges, President Marcos emphasized the importance of continuing the work of the DMW to uphold the welfare of millions of OFWs and realize Ople's vision for the department. He acknowledged the difficulty of finding a successor of Ople’s caliber but stressed the need to persevere.
“Maghanap tayo ng kasing-galing niya pero huwag na tayong umasa na mapalitan si Toots, na mag-substitute na magkakaroon ulit tayo ng Toots na ilalagay ulit natin, bibigyan natin ulit ng pagkakataon na magtrabaho,” the President said.
Secretary Ople's professionalism and commitment were highlighted by President Marcos, who noted her quick response to crises and her tireless efforts in championing OFW welfare. Ople's remarkable legacy includes founding the Blas Ople Policy Center (BOPC), named after her father, to aid distressed OFWs globally.
Ople's remains were transferred from the Palace to the DMW office in Mandaluyong City, where the public was able to pay their respects. Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople passed away at the age of 61 on August 22, following a battle with cancer.
President Marcos appointed Ople to lead the newly established DMW at the beginning of his administration. Ople's dedication to the welfare of OFWs and her profound impact on policy and advocacy leave an enduring mark on the Philippines.
In a private necrological service held at Malacañang Palace’s Kalayaan Hall, President Marcos paid tribute to Secretary Ople's legacy, becoming emotional as he lauded her unwavering dedication to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
"Napaka-malaki ang nawala sa akin, sa inyong lahat, at sa bansang Pilipinas. And if I do shed a tear, it is because it is such a sad day to know – it is such a sad – a bit of knowledge to know that Toots will not be here anymore and what a big gap she will leave not only to our friends, not only to our family but to the millions of those who she took care of, who she loved, and who she worked for tirelessly and endlessly," the President stated.
Despite the challenges, President Marcos emphasized the importance of continuing the work of the DMW to uphold the welfare of millions of OFWs and realize Ople's vision for the department. He acknowledged the difficulty of finding a successor of Ople’s caliber but stressed the need to persevere.
“Maghanap tayo ng kasing-galing niya pero huwag na tayong umasa na mapalitan si Toots, na mag-substitute na magkakaroon ulit tayo ng Toots na ilalagay ulit natin, bibigyan natin ulit ng pagkakataon na magtrabaho,” the President said.
Secretary Ople's professionalism and commitment were highlighted by President Marcos, who noted her quick response to crises and her tireless efforts in championing OFW welfare. Ople's remarkable legacy includes founding the Blas Ople Policy Center (BOPC), named after her father, to aid distressed OFWs globally.
Ople's remains were transferred from the Palace to the DMW office in Mandaluyong City, where the public was able to pay their respects. Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople passed away at the age of 61 on August 22, following a battle with cancer.
President Marcos appointed Ople to lead the newly established DMW at the beginning of his administration. Ople's dedication to the welfare of OFWs and her profound impact on policy and advocacy leave an enduring mark on the Philippines.
Aug 28, 2023
