The International Community is mourning the passing of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople by sharing messages of sympathy via social media.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke extended sincere condolences to the family of Ople and to the Philippine government.
“Sincere condolences from Germany to the family of Secretary Ople and to the government and the people of the Philippines,” Ambassador Pfaffernoschke posted.
Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa called Ople a tireless advocate for OFW welfare.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople’s family, friends, and the entire DMW community. As a tireless advocate for OFW welfare, her legacy of sincerity and service will forever inspire us. Her absence will be deeply felt,” the Japanese envoy posted on X.
Peter Kell, the ambassador of New Zealand also sent his message of condolences. In a post, Kell said Ople’s tireless dedication to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of Filipino migrant workers was truly admirable.
“Nakikiramay ako sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, at katrabaho ni @DMWPHL Secretary Susan Ople. Her tireless dedication to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of Filipino migrant workers was truly admirable. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Kell said.
US Ambassador Marykay Carlson described Ople as a champion for her work in promoting the rights of Filipino migrant workers.
In her post on X, Carlson said, “I offer my sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of @DMWPHL Secretary Susan Ople. Awarded with the @StateDept 2013 Trafficking in Person Heroes Award, Secretary Ople’s work to champion the rights of Filipino migrant workers will remain an inspiration.”
Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines Luc Veron also posted his message of condolences on X.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Secretary Ople, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of Overseas Filipino Workers worldwide. My heartfelt thoughts go out to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the post read.
Ople has been battling with breast cancer since 2020.
In July, she took a leave of absence from her post following the deaths of her two elder brothers – former Mayor of Hagonoy Felix “Toti” Ople and former journalist Blas Ople Jr. who both died from lung cancer.
Secretary Ople’s remains will lie in state at Chapel 1 Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City at 6pm today until Monday, 28 August 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations be given instead to the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Inc. It is through donations that Secretary Toots’ advocacy for the rights and welfare of OFWs will continue.
Donations may be sent through the account name Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Inc. with account number 242-7-242514633.
