Marcos confers Order of Lakandula on late DMW chief Toots Ople

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December 31, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross on the late migrant workers secretary Maria Susana “Toots” Ople, describing her as an “amazing public servant” and one of the best people he has ever met.

Ople, who was appointed to the Cabinet in 2022, died on Aug. 22, 2023 after a battle with breast cancer. She was 61.

During the conferment ceremony at Malacañang, Marcos said the government continues to follow the principles laid down by Ople, whom he lauded for her sincere desire to help OFWs.

“The moment she got into government, again, she laid the groundwork. Everything that we are doing now, all of the successes that you see, she laid the groundwork for that,” the President said.

Under Ople’s leadership, the Philippines entered into 42 bilateral agreements with 25 countries. She also helped establish the One Repatriation Command Center and the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital and led the launch of the Department of Migrant Workers mobile application and the OFW Pass.

Noting that the conferment coincided with the anniversary of the death of national hero Jose Rizal, Marcos said Ople, like Rizal, believed that love of country is expressed through courage, discipline and service.

He added that the late secretary continued to serve despite her illness.

“In the middle of a great trial, she did not abandon her duty to the nation... She fought while she could. Until the end, she served,” the President said. “She knew the sand in her hourglass was beginning to run low, yet she gave what little time she had left to ensure that our Filipino migrant workers would continue to be protected, even after she is gone.”

“She is one of the best people that I have ever met in my life,” Marcos added.