TOKEN OF APPRECIATION. Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando (4th from left) hands over a plaque of appreciation and a miniature Barasoain Church to Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Eduardo Jose A. de Vega (5th from left) during the 97th birth anniversary of Gat Blas F. Ople at the Gat Blas F. Ople Building at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol compound in Malolos City, Bulacan on Saturday (Feb. 3, 2024). A special working holiday was declared in the province. (PNA photo by Manny Balbin)
CITY OF MALOLOS – Bulakenyos on Saturday honored former senator and foreign affairs secretary Blas “Ka Blas” Ople during the commemoration of his 97th birth anniversary at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol.
As he led the commemoration, Governor Daniel R. Fernando urged Bulakenyos to follow the ideals and spirit of the late son of Bulacan.
“Habang tinatahak natin ang mga hamon ng ating panahon, pamarisan natin ang kanyang diwa ng kahusayan, pagkamalasakit, at pagmamahal sa ating mga kababayan. Gayundin ang kanyang dedikasyon at adbokasiya para sa karapatan ng manggagawa. Higit sa lahat, ang kanyang matibay na pangako sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino (As we face the challenges of our time, let us emulate his spirit of excellence, concern, and love for our fellow citizens, as well as his dedication and advocacy for workers’ rights, and above all, his strong commitment to the welfare of every Filipino),” Fernando said.
He noted that Ople’s excellence in public service is an honor that his children have continued.
Guest speaker, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo Jose A. de Vega said in his speech that they are continuously emulating the good deeds of the late official during his time as the DFA secretary from July 16, 2002 to Dec. 14, 2003.
De Vega cited Ople’s contribution to ensuring the rights, protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
“Sa mahigit isang taon niyang pamumuno sa DFA, malaki ang naging ambag niya bilang Punong Sugo ng Pilipinas. Una na rito ang pagpapatibay niya sa pagprotekta ng karapatan at pagtaguyod ng kapakanan ng ating mga Overseas Filipino Workers. Hanggang ngayon, nananatili pa rin itong kasama sa Tatlong Haligi ng ating Polisiyang Panlabas, kasama ng pambansang seguridad at diplomasyang pang-ekonomiya (During his time at the DFA for more than a year, he contributed greatly as the Chief Envoy of the Philippines. First of all, he affirmed the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of our Overseas Filipino Workers. Until now, it remains one of the Three Pillars of our Foreign Policy, along with national security and economic diplomacy),” de Vega said.
A wreath-laying ceremony was also held in front of Ople’s monument.
Feb. 3 was declared a special working holiday in the province of Bulacan. (PNA)
