BY RONALD CONSTANTINO
This is a belated tribute to Gina Lopez, who in her lifetime made our little corner of this world a better place to live in.
Let’s recall some of her pet projects, starting with Bantay Bata, which has chapters all over the country. It has done so much for the welfare of children, abused, neglected, abandoned.
There is Sagip Kalikasan, making the environment cleaner and greener.
Under the Sagip Kalikasan are the rehabilitation of La Mesa Dam, which Gina turned to an eco-park. Also the efforts
to revive Pasig River and nearby esteros. Thanks to her determination, Pasig River is much cleaner now, although a lot has still to be done.
In her short stint as DENR (Department of Environment and National Resources), Gina fought illegal miners, Unfortunately, she failed to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. Big business interests, won over public welfare and safety.
All these Gina did in cooperation with the family-owned ABS-CBN, which, unfortunately had been shutdown. ABS-CBN vowed to continue Gina’s legacy—in a smaller scale. Understandable.
Brother Ernie Lopez, Tina Monson-Palma, Jing Castañeda, Susan Afan will continue Gina’s magnificent work.
Why not a Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service to Gina Lopez? But I understand the Magsaysay Award does not give a posthumous honor. Then give it to her legacy. No one but no one can be more deserving.
By the way, ABS-CBN continues its Sagip Kapamilya services to the public. Congratulations and cheers to Julius Babao, Bernadette Sembrano, Vic de Leon Lima, Mark Logan, among others for the good job.
Carry on, Kapamilya!
