Unknown Hero

“Hindi ko nga sya kilala”.

“Masaya ko pag- Ople day, kase walang pasok”.

These are the common answers given by Bulakenyos when asked if they knew Blas Ople. Some only know him by his surname while others do not have any idea who he is at all.

But for others who really know him by heart, this is the time of remembering one Gat Blas F. Ople.

In honouring the 87th birthday of Gat Blas Ople, the province declare a non-working holiday as Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado lead simple event together with Vice governor Daniel Fernando happened at Kabataan, Sining at Kultura ng Bulacan Capitol Complex.

Felix “Toti” Ople, son of the late Ka Blas’ talked about how he remember him not only as a good public servant but as well as a loving father.

“Bago sya matulog, sisilipin muna nya yung kwarto ng mga anak nya” Toti said. The board member of first district also add that with the help of his father he was able to finish his term paper during college days.

“Nakatulog ako, pag gising ko tapos na” he add. He also add that even though Ka Blas’ was not as expressive and showy, he has his own way of showing how much he loves his family.

The younger Ople mention that his father keep his feet on the ground despite of having a position in the government and he believe that this is what a government official must have. “Simple at payak. Manatiling walang bahid” he said.

Toti together with his younger sister Susan continue the legacy of their father by being in charge in the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, non-profit organization who help Filipino Overseas workers around the world.

Ka Blas’ who also fought in the World Was II as a officer of the Del Pilar Regimet, Bulacan Military Area at very young age and under the BMA's Buenvista Regimet until 1945 when General Yamashita was captured.

He also become a columnist and co-founder and executive vice chairman of the National Progress Movement or Kilusang Makabansa. ###