Gina Lopez Legacy
Gina Lopez began the Foundation’s core programs, most notably Bantay Bata 163 and Bantay Kalikasan, geared towards children’s welfare and environment protection, respectively. The Foundation’s other programs, including in disaster relief and rehabilitation, education, and community empowerment, are all inspired by her values and mission.
In 2016, Lopez was appointed Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, during which she was able to close destructive mining operations and to put a stop to open pit mining.
Lopez (born Dec. 27, 1953) succumbed to a battle with cancer on August 19, 2019.