Church groups mourn death of Gina Lopez

Tributes have been paid to a longtime environment advocate who dedicated many years of her life to the cause.

The Caritas Philippines extended its sincere condolences to the family of former environment secretary Gina Lopez, who succumbed to brain cancer on Monday morning. She was 65.

Social media users also flooded Facebook and Twitter with the news of Lopez’s death, who was strongly supported by many bishops and church groups for her strong anti-mining stand.

“We grieve for Gina Lopez. But we too are grateful for the gift of life, spent for a worthy cause… a life of sincere commitment to what truly matters,” said Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Caritas’ executive secretary.

“She lived her life to the full, happily and with love. With her, we celebrate life meaningfully,” he said.

The Commission on Appointments in 2017 rejected the appointment as environment chief of Lopez, who led a crackdown on mining firms that didn’t comply with environmental safety standards.

The Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) – Philippines also lauded Lopez for her “passionate commitment to care for our common home”.

“You will always be remembered by the Filipino people with love and gratitude,” the GCCM said. CBCPNEWS