A columnist who we at Arab News continue to be proud of
Last week, Susan V. Ople, secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, visited Arab News headquarters in Riyadh. Commenting on her visit, she tweeted: “Once upon a time, I was (a) columnist of @arabnews. Visiting its office in Riyadh was (a) homecoming of sorts.”
Yes, you read it correctly. Ople was once an important part of Arab News. Her visit to Arab News brought back so many memories of the time I dealt with her as an opinion editor.
Writers and editors generally share a love-hate relationship, but it was difficult to hate a humanitarian of Ople’s stature.
During my dealings with her, I noticed thoughts of her overseas compatriots’ welfare always consumed her, as was evident from her articles published in Arab News.
Yet, no matter how good she was as a columnist, social worker, or politician, she never failed in giving me nightmares or panic attacks by delaying her submissions.
I vividly remember every time I used to vow that I would not accept any excuses from her but her emails exuded so much honesty that I had to accept her submissions.
I would like to share one of her emails with the readers: “My New Year’s resolution is to reduce your stress over my column.”
Though sometimes schedule, her write-ups always got her point across, and like a loving mother, she always made efforts to protect the rights of her fellow countrymen working around the world.
In her new role, I am sure Ople can do a much better job translating her ideas into actions for the wellbeing of her people. It is not every day that we see a humanitarian at the helm.
We, at Arab News, wish her the best of luck.