Senators on Sunday paid tribute to former Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman for her contribution to humanitarian assistance and relief operations in the country during her stint in government.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Soliman “led a life full of love, sacrifice, courage, and of course, commitment to service.”
“She is a remarkable hero and a comrade to me. I am truly sorry to hear about her passing,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“Napakahabang panahon ang ginugol niya sa paglilingkod, dahil nakita niya ang natatanging kakahayan ng ating mga kababayan na malampasan ang kahirapan basta mabibigyan sila ng kasangkapan at pagkakataon (She spent her lifetime in public service, because she sees the potential of our people to overcome poverty as long as they are given the ability and opportunity),” she added.
Hontiveros said the former DSWD chief would forever be remembered for advocating the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.
The 4Ps, “which paved the way for more opportunities for the poor and powerless, is her greatest gift to this nation,” she stressed.
“With 4Ps, Dinky embodied the best of social work. Her legacy will always be impactful and can never be distorted by fake news,” she added.
“Her stature as a civil society leader will be missed and will forever inspire future public servants.
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also expressed his condolences to the family of the former DSWD chief.
“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 (Until the until, you didn’t tire in helping others. Take a rest now surrounded by beautiful sunflowers in heaven),”Pangilinan said.
“Sobrang lungkot namin ni Sharon (Cuneta) 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 (Both Sharon and I were so saddened by your passing. You lived and loved wholeheartedly, gave much of your time, energy and helped uplift the lives of millions of poor people),” he said.
Sen. Richard Gordon also condoled with the family and friends of Soliman whom he said worked closely with the Philippine Red Cross in providing humanitarian relief and assistance to families that were heavily affected by various calamities last year.
“Sa kanyang panunungkulan bilang Secretary ng DSWD, nabigyan niya ng kulay at pag-asa ang maraming nating mahihirap na kababayan (In serving as secretary of the DSWD, she gave life and hope to many of our poor citizens). I pray for the repose of her soul. Thank you for your service, Sec. Dinky!” Gordon said.