By Vanne Elaine Terrazola  The Senate adopted on Monday a resolution honoring former Senator Teresa Aquino-Oreta. Senate Resolution No. 406 expresses the chamber's profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of Oreta who passed away last May 14. Former Senator Teresa “TAO” Aquino-Oreta (Facebok / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Oreta was a member of the Senate from 1998 to 2004. Senate President Vicente Sotto III, sponsor of the measure, paid tribute to Oreta and her contributions to the country. "We are very saddened by her passing. I remember her as a very passionate and strong legislator whose advocacies focused on empowering women and children through landmark legislations like the Solo Parents Act, Early Childhood Care and Development Act,” Sotto said in his speech. He said Oreta also worked to improve the country’s educational system by pushing for the key measures, such as the Philippine Sciences System High School Act and the Governance of Basic Education Act. Senator Joel Villanueva said he was also a witness to Oreta's work as legislator, especially as the first female Assistant Majority Leader in the House of Representatives. "I experienced in person how Senator Tessie loved the Filipino people, and I bear witness to it. She used to invite us to her house when I was a neophyte congressman, together with party-list representatives. She endlessly talked passionately on issues close to her heart. Especially dear to her were matters of education and how families can benefit from it. She often said that, 'education is the lifeblood of the family'," Villanueva recalled. Her also cited Oreta's "Project TAO", which revealed situations besetting public-school teachers and served as the guide for several education reforms. "Her initials are T-A-O or 'tao' (people) which symbolizes her legacies as a public servant. In the over two decades of public life, the causes that she believed in and chose to fight for speak in volume. They evidence how she put the tao (people) at the forefront. The Filipinos, especially women and children, are at the center of her public service,” Villanueva said. Pacquiao, meanwhile, offered his prayers for Oreta’s repose. "We mourn her death but at the same time celebrate her legacy. We are offering prayers of God’s comfort and strength to be upon her husband, her children, relatives and friends," he said. The Senate, after adopting the resolution, adjourned its Monday session to honor Oreta. READ MORE: Former Sen. Tessie Oreta passes away