President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday posthumously conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on the late Maria Susana “Toots” Vasquez Ople, recognizing her exemplary service, integrity, and dedication to the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The formal ceremony was held at Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace, coinciding with Rizal Day and the fourth anniversary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). President Marcos was joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, members of the Ople family, and government officials.

Ople, the first full-fledged Secretary of the DMW following her appointment in June 2022, was lauded for laying the foundation of a newly created agency tasked with protecting and serving Filipino migrant workers.

“In many ways, all of us who are doing work for OFWs today are following the strictures she laid out. Siya ang nagsimula nitong lahat… Everything we are doing now, all of the successes that you see, she laid the groundwork for that,” President Marcos said.

The late Secretary’s leadership saw the Philippines enter 42 bilateral labor agreements with 25 countries, strengthening protections and fair treatment for migrant workers. She also spearheaded initiatives such as the One Repatriation Command Center, the OFW Hospital, and the launch of the DMW Mobile Application and OFW Pass for faster verification and travel.

“Malinaw ang kanyang paninindigan: tiyakin natin na makatao at makatarungan ang trato sa bawat manggagawang Pilipino sa ibayong dagat,” the President said, highlighting Ople’s unwavering advocacy for OFWs.

Prior to leading the DMW, Ople held several government posts and became the first Filipino to serve on the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Human Rights Trafficking. She also authored two books on migrant welfare and social protection.

“What set her apart was how she worked. She led with empathy, with expertise, and with very, very strong moral clarity,” Marcos said, noting that Ople continued to serve the country even while privately battling cancer.

President Marcos likened Ople’s patriotism to that of Dr. Jose Rizal, emphasizing her belief that love of country is expressed through courage, discipline, and service. He added that despite her many accomplishments, Ople would have preferred to be remembered simply as a devoted mother, daughter, worker, and friend.

Ople was the daughter of the late Senator and former Labor Secretary Blas F. Ople.

The Order of Lakandula is one of the Republic’s senior honors, conferred in recognition of political and civic merit, commemorating Datu Lakandula’s dedication to leadership, courage, and service to the people. It is awarded by the President of the Philippines.