The enduring legacy of Blas F. Ople

THE Department of Labor and Employment celebrated its 88th anniversary on December 8. This then is an opportune time to reflect on the enduring legacy to the Filipino workers and to the nation of Blas F. Ople who was Minister of Labor and Employment from 1967 to 1986.

Blas Ople was the son of a crafts worker in Hagonoy, Bulacan. In his teens, he fought in World War 2 against the Japanese as an officer in the Del Pilar Regiment, Bulacan military area. He was an ardent nationalist whose writings and speeches reflected his love of country. As a student, I was enthralled by his column in The Manila Times entitled "Jeepney Tales." He was considered "one of youngest columnists in the golden era of journalism." He co-founded the Kilusang Makabansa, which espoused nationalist and social justice issues.