Press Release
September 22, 2021

Senate adopts resolution honoring the late Social Welfare Secretary Soliman

The Senate today adopted a resolution honoring the late former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman for her invaluable contributions to the field of social work and the country.

Senate Resolution No. 913 was introduced by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Leila de Lima, Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros.

Drilon, who sponsored the resolution, said Soliman was a champion of social justice and democracy who dedicated all her life to social work and activism. He said Soliman was defined by the work she did for the poor, the vulnerable, women, children and the communities she visited as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and as a community organizer.

"Dinky, as we called her, will always be remembered in the far-flung barangays and communities. She was the one who launched the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDDS), a poverty alleviation program which empowered barangays and communities," Drilon said.

He said Soliman's most notable work would probably be what we now know as 4Ps ( Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), another poverty alleviation program which was initiated by the Arroyo administration but was massively expanded and further developed under President Benigno Aquino III. Under the 4Ps program, conditional cash grants are given to the poorest of the poor to improve the health, nutrition and the education of children aged 0-18.

"I recall fondly Mr. President that I was our chairman of the Committee on Finance that defended the initial increase in the budget of DSWD for the 4Ps program. I must admit I was not too familiar with the 4Ps but the late Dinky Soliman helped me explain the merits of the 4Ps program," Drilon said.

"Her name will always be remembered whenever a 4Ps family member graduates from elementary, high school and college. Let it be known that it was Dinky, and no one else, who gave them a fighting chance in life through the expansion and institutionalization of the 4Ps," he added.

Drilon also extolled Soliman's strength and principles. He said that unlike many officials of today who cling to their positions, Soliman chose integrity over power and influence. Soliman was one of the cabinet officials known as the "Hyatt 10" who resigned when then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was accused of fraud in the 2004 presidential elections or the Hello Garci scandal.

"Dinky's passionate and steadfast love to serve the poorest and most marginalized of Filipinos and improve their quality of life should serve as a benchmark for aspiring public servants," Drilon said.

Drilon moved to make all senators co-authors and co-sponsors of the resolution.

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