On the commemoration of the death anniversary of Blas Ople
Villar, Ople family vow to continue advocacies of 'Ka Blas'

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar commemorated with the family of the late Senator Blas F. Ople the 6th death anniversary of the former Foreign Affairs Secretary in a simple ceremony at the Libingan ng Bayani. He paid tribute to the remarkable life of the statesman particularly his role as the "Father of OFWs"

"I had a great opportunity to have worked with Ka Blas during my time as the chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations when he was the Foreign Affairs Secretary. It is such a privilege to see first hand how Ka Blas put the welfare of his countrymen first and foremost," said Villar, who admires Ople's concern for the rights of the workers, spirit of nationalism and love of the native language.

"His dedication and devotion to protect the welfare of the Filipino workers, particularly OFWs, continues to inspire me. In fact, my office works closely with the Blas F. Ople Policy Center in helping OFWs and even rescuing many of them from dire circumstances abroad," added. Villar.

According to Villar, the inclusion of Susan 'Toots' Ople, the youngest daughter of Ka Blas in the senatorial slate of the Nacionalista Party will ensure that the late Senate President's advocacies will be continued.

"The common goals and advocacies that I shared and implemented with Ka Blas before live on to this day with the work that we do for the OFWs and the country's labor force. We will continue helping them to our best of abilities," said Villar.

"Six years have passed but the void remains and we miss his booming voice and loving concern not only as family members but also as citizens of this troubled nation," Susan said. Known as an OFW advocate, the senatorial aspirant also heads the Ople Center, an NGO dedicated to helping distressed OFWs.

In her speech during the death anniversary rites, Toots Ople said Villar as a friend of his father closely mirrors the life of Ka Blas--both are self-made, humble and are proud of their humble beginnings. Ka Blas was born to working-class parents in Bulacan just like Villar, the 'poor man from Tondo'. Villar's mother used to be a shrimp vendor in Divisoria market while his father was an ordinary government employee.

Villar and Susan Ople also extended financial assistance in the form of a college trust fund for Stephanie and Marija Lechonsito--the daughters OFWs Cecil and Noni who were among those massacred in Maguindanao. Villar's Sagip OFW works closely with the Ople Center in helping OFWs.

Cecile and her husband were on their way to Cotobato City for a medical check-up to confirm suspicions that Nonie Lechonsito may have suffered from a mild stroke. Their car was among those found buried and crushed with a backhoe in the killing fields of Maguindanao.

Villar joined close friends, former associates and family members in honoring the acknowledged Father of the Labor Code and Overseas Employment. Invited to share their stories about Ople were DBP Chairperson and former labor secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, and former Senator Kit Tatad.

Joining the speakers were a representative from the Knights of Columbus of Hagonoy, Bulacan. Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, and former labor secretary Benny Laguesma and other former and incumbent DOLE officials also paid their respects to their late mentor. Present to receive the guests were Ople's widow, Mrs. Susana Vasquez Ople and her children and grandchildren. Monsignor Sabino Vengco celebrated the mass.