The Province of Bulacan celebrated the 99th birth anniversary of former Senator Blas F. Ople on February 3 in Malolos City, honoring his legacy as the “Father of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)” and a key architect of the Philippine Labor Code. The event, themed “Gat Blas F. Ople: Huwaran ng Pinanday na Isipan, Inspirasyon ng mga Kabataan,” was attended by Ople’s daughter, Atty. Dalisay Ople-San Jose, and granddaughter, Estelle Ople Osorio.

In her message, Osorio highlighted Ople’s contributions to Filipino welfare, including the institution of 13th-month pay, prioritization of education in the national budget, and programs safeguarding OFWs worldwide. “The celebration of Ople Day is not just about remembering a name, but honoring a life full of lessons, sacrifice, and love for the country,” she said.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando also recalled Ople’s early recognition of the high tide issue in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and his proposal for a coastal road-dike that would connect Bataan and Cavite via an interlink bridge. Fernando said he, along with Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda and Bataan Governor Jose Enrique S. Garcia III, recently appealed to the Office of the President to officially launch the Manila Bay Integrated Flood Control, Coastal Defense, and Expressway Project—a plan originally proposed by Ople in the 1970s but left unimplemented.

Fernando emphasized that the project reflects Ople’s foresight in flood control and coastal protection, and that the coordination among the three provincial governors aims to finally realize Ople’s long-standing vision.

The commemoration served not only to honor Ople’s labor advocacy but also to reignite efforts to implement his infrastructure initiatives that continue to benefit present and future generations.