Department of Migrant Workers sec to grace the 96th Birth Anniversary of Ka Blas

CITY OF MALOLOS – Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Maria Susana V. Ople will join the Provincial Government of Bulacan in the commemoration of the 96th Birth Anniversary of her late father, Gat Blas F. Ople on February 3, 2023, which was declared as a special non-working day in Bulacan.

With the theme, “Gat Blas F. Ople: Dakilang Bulakenyo, Bayani ng Manggagawang Pilipino”, Ople, together with Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro along with other Bulacan officials, will lead the annual remembrance and wreath laying activity before the monument of Ka Blas in front of the Gusaling Gat Blas F. Ople: Sentro ng Kabataan, Kaalaman at Hanapbuhay (Provincial Livelihood Center), Antonio S. Bautista Bulacan Provincial Capitol Compound in this city at 8:00 am.

Known as the “Father of Philippine Labor Code” and “Father of Overseas Filipino Workers”, a job fair will be spearheaded by the Provincial Youth, Sports and Public Employment Service Office (PYSPESO) in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at The Pavilion in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, 9 am, as part of the tribute to Ka Blas. Certificates of completion to DOLE Government Internship Program beneficiaries will also be distributed.

In addition, a medical mission will also be held coinciding the job fair, which will be initiated by the Department of Migrant Workers in collaboration with Damayan sa Barangay.

Fernando said that Ka Blas was one of the most illustrious statesmen in the country and his outstanding leadership and public service will forever be etched in the heart and minds of not only Bulakenyos, but all the Filipinos.

“Our hero Gat Blas Ople has consistently improved the lives of the Filipinos. I urge the youth to always remember his heroism and make his life and contributions an inspiration in giving service to the country”, the governor said.

Also expected to attend the commemoration are the family of Ka Blas, PESO managers, OFW councils, BTEC from the towns of Plaridel, Pulilan and Guiguinto and City of Malolos, some historical groups.

Ka Blas was a journalist and was considered as one of the youngest columnists. He also fathered the National Manpower and Youth Council (now TESDA) to carry out the training program for skilled workers.

He also held a few high-ranking positions in the Philippine government such as Senate President from 1999 to 2000 and Secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2002 until his death.

Ople also showed his bravery and fought in the Second World War as a young officer of the Del Pilar Regiment, Bulacan Military Area (BMA) and fought under the BMA’s Buenavista Regiment until the capture of General Yamashita in 1945.