President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration would ensure that the work of the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople would continue, as he shared her determination to protect and uplift the lives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“We should honor Toots and remember what was the most important thing to her… we must continue that work,” the president said.
Marcos led the private necrological rites in Malacañang on Monday, which was attended by Vice President Sara Duterte, Cabinet officials, and members of Ople’s family.
The president, who turned emotional during his eulogy, said Ople would leave “a big gap” in everyone’s heart, particularly Filipinos working abroad.
Marcos described Ople as a consummate professional who was determined and devoted to her work related to migrant workers.
He said whenever a work issue arose in some countries, Ople would immediately shift her focus and efforts to ensure the well-being of OFWs there.
“May initiative, hindi na naghihintay. Alam na alam niya ang trabaho niya [She had initiative. She knew her job well]. These all came from her heart,” Marcos said.
“Don’t feel sorry for Toots. Her soul went immediately to heaven. For that, I have no doubt. I feel sorry for us, for the Filipinos working abroad because they have lost the best champion they ever had,” he added.
Ople’s daughter thanked Marcos for allowing her mother “to live her mission by entrusting her the position despite her illness.”
She said her mother was already diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when she was appointed DMW secretary.
According to the Palace, Ople’s remains will be opened for public viewing in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. before it is transferred to the DMW Building at 5:30 p.m.
Source : CNN
