Former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman passed away on Sunday morning. She was 68 years old.
This was confirmed by Vice President Leni Robredo during her weekly radio show.
“May napakalungkot na balita na natanggap na si former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, namayapa na ngayong umaga,” Robredo said, adding that she was very close to Soliman. Robredo said Soliman helped them when Robredo’s husband, former Interior secretary Jesse Robredo died.
(It is very sad news that DSWD Soliman died this morning.)
“Nakakalungkot na balita ‘yung pagpanaw niya. Napakabuting tao,”
(It is very sad news. She is a good person.)
Robredo also underscored Soliman’s role in expanding DSWD’s coverage for cash aid for low-income families.
Soliman served at the helm of DSWD during the term of former Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who also died this year.
During her term as DSWD chief, Soliman led the launch of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), which identifies who and where the poor Filipinos are through identification and validation.
Soliman graduated from the University of the Philippines and Harvard University.
Aside from serving in government, Soliman also held posts in several organizations such as Caucus for Development NGO Networks, National Secretariat Coordinator of the Congress for People’s Agrarian Reform, and Community Organization Training and Research Advocacy Institute (CO-TRAIN).
GMA News Online has sent messages to Soliman’s family but has yet to receive a reply.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan meanwhile expressed condolences to Soliman’s family.
“Taos-pusong pakikiramay kay Hector, kina Sandino at Marikit, sa buong pamilya ng mga Soliman at Juliano at sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa iyo,” he said in a statement.
(Our heartfelt condolences to Hector, Sandino and Marikit, to the whole Soliman and Juliano families and all those who love you.)
“Rest in peace, my dear classmate. Hanggang sa huli, wala kang kapaguran sa mga laban para sa kapwa. Pahinga ka na sa gitna ng malawak at magandang bukid ng sunflowers sa langit,” the senator said.
(Until the end, you did not give up on the fight for others. Rest in the midst of a wide and beautiful sunflower field in heaven.)
“Sobrang lungkot namin ni Sharon sa iyong paglisan. Nabuhay at nagmahal ka ng buong-puso, nagbahagi ng iyong oras, buong lakas, at tinulungang maiangat ang milyon-milyon mula sa kahirapan. Masigla mong ibinigay ang lahat nang walang binibilang,” Pangilinan added.
(Sharon and I are so sad to hear of your passing. You lived and loved with your whole heart, gave of your time and strength, and helped lift millions of people from poverty. You cheerfully gave all without expecting anything in return.) —KG, GMA News
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