Government Officials Mourning Toots Ople's Death as a "Irreparable Loss of a Stalwart Leader"

📹 PTV

Manila, Philippines - Top government officials are in sorrow following the passing of Toots Ople, a respected leader, as they consider the lasting impact left by someone who many consider to be irreplaceable.

The loss of Toots Ople is being deeply lamented throughout the government, as coworkers and associates are coping without a visionary leader. Ople is widely regarded for his unshakable commitment and tremendous achievements, therefore his departure represents a major loss that is keenly felt by those who had the honor of working closely with her.

Ople admitted that her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020 was "definitely a factor" in her decision to lead the agency before assuming the DMW position. The procedure took place on February 26, 2020.

Ople has fought for the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and in 2005, she founded the non-governmental organization Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute (Ople Center) to do so. Ople is the daughter of the late former senator Blas Ople.

The emotion resonating through the halls of power as government officials come to terms with this sudden loss is one of deep respect and appreciation for Ople's extraordinary accomplishments. For those who knew her well, his absence is not only a personal loss but also leaves a leadership void that will be difficult to fill.

Ople is appointed as the DMW's first secretary when it was completely constituted in 2023.

She was appointed labor undersecretary in 2004 by the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

Ople earned a communications degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1985 and then worked as a writer, columnist, and radio host.

She competed as a senatorial candidate for the Nacionalista Party in 2016, however, she fell short of the Top 12. In the 2010 elections, she also ran for a Senate position.

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