On the passing of Gina Lopez on 19 August 2019, Yeb Saño, executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said:
“We at Greenpeace are saddened by the passing of Ms. Gina Lopez, a staunch ally in the protection of the Philippines’ biodiversity and a dependable partner in the fight for climate justice and environmental rights.
Former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez thanks Greenpeace for their efforts to protect the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from the control of big business interests over the rights of people to a healthy and balanced ecology.
“Gina was a prime mover in many of our coalitions through the years, most recently with the Green Thumb Coalition of the last decade, which sought to ensure government accountability on environmental issues that plague our people and affect all other aspects of Filipino life. Under her leadership, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources championed people over profit, putting the welfare of the Filipino people over the exploitation and destruction of natural resources by corporate interests. She was also an inspiration to many for her courage and kindness.
“The Earth has lost a warrior, but her spirit lives on in the movement that she so helped build. Those of us she left behind will continue to forge on for a better environment, the protection of people’s rights, and better lives for the Filipino people. Heeding Gina’s exemplar, we will not be cowed by the greed and arrogance of those who destroy the environment.
“We at Greenpeace express our deepest condolences to Gina’s family and all the people whose lives she has touched.”
More information:
JP Agcaoili, Communications Manager, Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines
[email protected], +63 949 889 1334
Kat Eusebio, Communications Officer, Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines
[email protected], +63 999 229 6451