A few years back while I was still studying in my previous school, Ateneo de Davao University, Gina Lopez visited our school. It was just months after President Duterte assumed office. When the President arrived, he announced that he will appoint Lopez as the Secretary of DENR. As shocked as she was, Lopez was flabbergasted – it was as if she would jump out of happiness. When she delivered her privilege speech, I saw how passionate she was with her advocacy for the environment. She was firm. She was fiery. She told us that we, the youth, will suffer if we won’t take certain actions to save what’s left of our environment. She promised to make reforms in DENR especially in banning and shutting down mines as it causes deforestation and damages picturesque mountain views. Sadly, she was ousted from her position as DENR Secretary because of the selfish asses of those who want to gain profit from mining and illegal logging.

It’s so sad that it’s just now that we have come to appreciate her legacy against mining and deforestation after the string of catastrophes (Typhoon Ulysses and Rolly) that hit the Philippines. Indeed, the best DENR secretary we never had.

Together with us here in SAVE, let us continue the legacy and advocacy of Gina Lopez. Action, big or small, is of big contribution in restoring our environment back to its former glory.