Feb. 3, 2018

The Bulacan provincial government named its newly constructed Livelihood Training Center as Gat Blas F. Ople Sentro ng Kabataan, Kaalaman at Hanapbuhay in commemoration of the life and contributions to the nation of Ople. Born on Feb. 3, 1927 in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Ople was a journalist and politician who held several ranking positions in the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government. He was the Senate president from 1999 to 2000 and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2002 until his death in 2003. Ople, who also served as labor minister, fathered the National Labor Relations Commission and the National Manpower and Youth Council.

The Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival) in Baguio City, scheduled from Feb. 1 to March 5, will push through with participants and spectators urged to observe minimum health and safety protocols based on the alert level system for COVID-19 response.

Compiled by: Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Philippine News Agency, Official Gazette of the Philippines, Department of Education, laoagcity.gov.ph