Manila, Dec. 30 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday posthumously conferred the Order of Lakandula on the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) secretary Susan "Toots" Ople, honoring her lifelong advocacy for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and her enduring legacy in public service.

The conferment ceremony was held at Malacanang, with daughter Estelle Ople-Osorio receiving the award on her behalf.

In his speech, Marcos described Ople as an extraordinary public servant whose work continues to protect and uplift Filipino migrant workers even after her passing.

"We are reminded that there are extraordinary public servants who never truly leave public service because their legacy continues to protect the people they serve lo...