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Dearest Dinky,

the loss of you is so big, profound and painful. You were a true inspiration, a hero, a wonderful friend. You always made us smile and laugh. We will miss you dearly but carry so many memories with us in our hearts and we know we are better people because of knowing you. Thank you for everything.

With love and gratitude,
Cliff, Camilla and the boys

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Friendship Part 7: Secretary (Minister) Corazan “Dinky” Juilano-Soliman by Bhuvan Batnagar

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Friendship Part 7: Secretary (Minister) Corazan “Dinky” Juilano-Soliman by Bhuvan Batnagar

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7 September 2021 was my last Facebook post which Dinky had liked. There is hardly anything I had posted over the last three years, and I post excessively, that Dinky had not taken the time to read, like, and comment on positively. Almost daily, from 10K miles away, she showed concern and unconditional affection about making me feel good about whatever I did. She became the rainbow in my cloud, reminding me regularly through Facebook that beautiful things do happen after a storm.

I knew she had gone through a challenging time with COVID-19 in August but survived. However, I felt in my bones that something was not right as it was 11 September with no sunflower greetings from Dinky. I reached out to a common friend who confirmed that Dinky would be happy to hear from me and then I made a mistake which I will always regret – procrastinated – until I got a phone call on 20 September that it was too late to ever make my call.

There are two reasons why I am posting today. First, I wanted to give a month to the family and her close friends to celebrate her life before I shared from the periphery who Dinky is for me and the many ways in which she influenced my life, highlighting two as illustrations. I will come back to the second reason at the end of this tribute.

Courage: It was 1999 and I had just moved back to Manila for my second tenure, when Dr. Mary Racelis, a leading Filipina Anthropologist, organized a party at her house to introduce me to her friends in civil society. I noted a woman who was speaking passionately about some cause, but with a big smile, which seemed to be inspiring more and more people to be drawn to her, like me. It was my first citing of the courageous Dinky Soliman who was channeling Aristotle that it was fine to feel appropriate degrees of fear (from President Estrada and his henchmen) and confidence about the inevitable victory of good over evil (through people power).

“We become brave by doing brave acts,” said Aristotle. Dinky demonstrated the courage to do brave acts again and again. In the late 80s by organizing local communities to stand their ground against the dictator Marcos. In the mid 90s by chairing CODE-NGO – the biggest network of grassroots groups and NGOs in the country – to ensure that democracy did not become a one-time hollow act of electing a President every six-years, but a continuous process of checks and balances so elected officials are accountable to the people. In early 2000 by orchestrating a civil society push to successfully impeach President Estrada (and starting a fashion movement by having her hair streaked blue as a political statement against Estrada). And, in 2004-2005 by resigning as the Minister of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), along with nine other Ministers, collectively called the Hyatt 10, when President Gloria Arroyo was accused of fraud in the 2004 presidential elections, and demanding Arroyo’s resignation, which led to Arroyo’s ouster from power.

This kind of courage to stand up to unlimited state power, irrespective of the consequences, takes wisdom, faith, and practice, and Dinky clearly had all three in abundance. In families, elders who are more experienced greatly support the next generation to learn and practice courage.  To a much lesser degree, I had to stand up twice to forces much larger than me, and in both cases I consulted Dinky. She listened actively and said, “if you believe you are right; there is nothing really to be afraid of.”  Thanks, Dinky, for the 101 on David (as Dinky was always the shortest, but bravest member of the Cabinet) and Goliath.

Putting the Last First: Dinky served as the Minister of DSWD from 2000-2004 and again from 2010-2016, and her list of accomplishments are a mile long. She also headed the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster. She steered two national anti-poverty programs: the KALAHI-CIDSS (a community-driven development program) and the 4Ps program (a conditional cash transfer program). She also helped lead massive rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

We worked extremely closely together in her roles as the Chair of CODE-NGO and as the Minister of DSWD in her first tenure to design the anti-poverty KALAHI-CIDSS program. As the Minister she set the vision and overall strategy and was extremely clear about how she wanted the Bank to help her. It is her vision and strategy that has catalyzed the scaling up of KALAHI to cover the entire country and sustained it as a global good practice for the last 18 years.

The one common thread across all of Dinky’s work is that she prioritized the preferences of poor people and ultimate recipients over those of donors or bureaucrats. The most important lesson I learned from her is not to impose our (outside) preferences, or judgements on the ultimate beneficiaries; instead to respect and empower them to make their own choices about how money is spent. While the poor do not know everything, they clearly have a better understanding of their poverty than outsiders (including myself when I was managing the KALAHI). At the risk of over generalizing, the common measures of poverty that outside agencies normally look at while designing programs for the poor are lack of income, ill health, and food instability. However, in addition, the poor also describe their situation as including vulnerability; seasonality; exclusion; lack of voice, choice, and opportunity; and social injustice, which are not readily apparent to outsiders. Given their more comprehensive knowledge of the local context and local needs, it makes sense to prioritize the preferences of the poor, obviously with appropriate outside support.

Dinky’s commitment to people’s capacity to be partners in development was unshakable, and she is the best “guru” under who I could have done my field apprenticeship. Thanks, Dinky, for being the North Star that has guided my professional work ever since.

The second reason I am writing this article today is that I looked up Dinky on Wikipedia, and her occupation is listed as “bureaucrat.” Dinky was anything but a bureaucrat: she was the transformational change agent who changed a large bureaucracy to deliver two of the best global anti-poverty programs in the world. I have worked in 40 countries, and she may be the shortest Minister I have met, but her contributions to empowering the poor are the longest I have ever seen.

PS: Dinky, I still remember my promise to Hec to make a movie with Hec as Ranbir Kapoor and you as Priyanka Chopra. This time I will not procrastinate.

R.I.P Dinky, until we all meet again.

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I worked in the Philippines from 2011 to 2015 as Head of Office for UN OCHA and I always appreciated Sec. Dinky’s extraordinary commitment and passion for her work. This was particularly apparent during Supertyphoon Haitian when she spent days working to help those affected in very difficult living conditions. She is a true humanitarian and is highly respected by the international community. My deepest condolences to her family. Very best wishes, David Carden

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Three snapshots of Dinky Juliano Soliman

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Three snapshots of Dinky Juliano Soliman

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Corazon Juliano Soliman, aka Dinky, was a sister and a comrade like no other. The following anecdotes (or snapshots) show how and why.

The first is from the early 70s when Bong Malonzo and I met a young and slender Corazon Juliano at the office of Denis Murphy on UN Avenue. This was Dinky the community organizer who, along with Tessie Banaynal of Lanao and later Cebu, blazed trails for young women in the very macho world of community organizers training. The high casualty rate of CO trainees was a cause for boasting—matira ang matibay--for only the crème de la crème among trainees, survived. And survive Dinky and Tessie did, survive and flourish.

I mention community organizing for this was the template that produced an early generation of activists in the furnace of Tondo. The La Tondena strike, after all was the first effective act of open defiance against martial rule. Tondo produced the urban poor icons of ZOTO—Trinidad Herrera, Fred Repuno, David Balondo. It also signaled early ecumenism when Catholics and Protestants came together in the Philippine Ecumenical Council on Community Organization (PECCO) board.

The hard-earned lessons of community organizing informed the later decades of Dinky’s life—from CO and NGO work (that included forging an agrarian reform coalition) to her crossover to government service: one, her being so grounded, two, talking the talk and walking the walk with the poor of the earth, three, taking defeat stoically, using it as a lever for future action, four, coalescing disparate forces of the mighty and the marginalized in order to move forward. Dinky left a legacy in the CO world as founder of COPE and CO-Multiversity.

The second anecdote goes back decades ago when Dinky was on official travel to Canada along with Karina David and Remmy Rikken. According to Karina, Dinky was headed for her morning bath unaware that the hotel shower was state-of-the-art. Water would sprinkle from on top but would also spurted from all sides and since it was built for tall Caucasians, the water literally blasted the petite Dinky’s head, Flustered, she got over the initial shock and came to breakfast grinning, with a soggy head. We were howling with laughter when Karina shared this tale with Pilipina. Through accidents, adversity and good times, Dinky glowed like the sunflower that she was.

For my final anecdote I turn to Dinky in government as DSWD secretary, specifically to the 4Ps program— Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program--which succeeded under Dinky’s shepherding. There were many detractors—that 4Ps was a grand doleout, etc. But for someone who affirmed self-awareness, self-reliance and self-empowerment for the poor—the 4Ps could never be a doleout. Surveys and studies attest to this but I have my own story.

In a Zamboanga City barangay, a woman suffered 16 years of her husband’s drinking and abusive behavior in silence. He would throw her Avon cosmetics onto the streets, sabotaging all her efforts at fund raising. As a bus conductor, his drinking meant there was never enough money for the family of four children who pleaded with their mother, please leave him. But she did not because she loved him. Instead she persevered, becoming a 4Ps leader and hosting parenting sessions at home. Wonder of wonders, her husband overheard the discussions, eventually stopped his drinking, and became a new person—the caring husband and father she truly deserved.

Though later I met Dinky infrequently I knew that she would always stay true to her roots of class and gender--a hallmark of Pilipina. Sisterhood had to be a touchstone of social change and class solidarity was always a constant. Class and gender needed to inform and infuse each other. Dinky hardly talked about this because she lived it.

Feeding the body also meant feeding, and freeing, the soul. Empowered women, transformed men, joyous families—this, for Dinky, was the meaning of 4Ps. Not just for the privileged and/or lucky few but for every woman.

Salamat, Dinky, at paalam, hermana y companera.

Jurgette Honculada
Sept. 24, 2021
Zamboanga City

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I’LL FOLLOW THE SUNHomily for the Requiem Mass for Dinky SolimanIs 25: 6a,7-9, Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12, Matthew 25: 31-40Bishop Ambo David

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I’LL FOLLOW THE SUNHomily for the Requiem Mass for Dinky SolimanIs 25: 6a,7-9, Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12, Matthew 25: 31-40Bishop Ambo David

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The title of this homily is I’LL FOLLOW THE SUN.  I am sure it’s obvious to most of you where I got the inspiration for this homily for our virtual gathering this evening in memory of Dinky.  If you are a FB friend of Dinky, you would know how she greets people, especially her friends, always with a sunflower icon ().  The last time she greeted me on my birthday, she sent me this message, “Sunflower wishes on your birthday, dear Bishop Ambo.  Abundant blessings.  ” The greeting was followed by three sunflower icons.  The sunflower does indeed speak a lot about the personality of Dinky Soliman.

In Spanish they call this flower a MIRASOL, a “sun gazer”.  That’s what she’s busy with now, gazing in heaven at God’s eternal face, which she actually learned to do already here on earth.  Dinky knew where to turn to find Jesus in her life—in the people the Lord identifies with: the last, the least, and the lost.  That is why I chose Matthew 25:31-40 for our Gospel, which ends with the ultimate disclosure that tells us that religion is not all about rituals and pietism.  “For as long as you did it for the least of my brothers and sisters, YOU DID IT FOR ME.” This is also said explicitly in James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the (cares of the) world.”

In our second reading, St. Paul gives us a little clue about those who have truly found God in their lives.  He says, “No one lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord…”  Ginawang kanta ito ni Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ at pinamagatang PANANAGUTAN.  Naging theme song ng mga social action people sa Simbahan, “Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang… walang sinuman ang namamatay para sa sarili lamang.”

Sa totoo lang, hindi naman laging totoo ito.  Marami na akong nakitang tao dito sa mundo na nabubuhay at namamatay para sa sarili lamang.  Dapat siguro sinabi ni San Pablo “Walang kabuluhan ang mabuhay kung ito’y para sa sarili lamang.  Wala ring kabuluhan ang mamatay para sa sarili lamang.”  Ang hinahangad natin ay hindi lang ang mabuhay kundi ang mabuhay na may kahulugan, may layunin, may misyon.

Maybe that is why Dinky found the sunflower very symbolic.  She stood like one, with her head held up high, a smile on her face, a streak of bright color on her hair.  You know, I did not expect my little posting on FB about her to go viral and filled up with beautiful comments.  I just posted one of her old photos with the caption, “A Small Woman with a Big Heart.  A True Public Servant”.

That is how I remember Dinky, a small woman with an empowering presence, especially among small people because of her big heart.  If there was one thing that Dinky shared with her close friends, especially her women friends, it was her passion to empower the little people in this world.

Dinky was never the type who patronized the poor.  Her approach to social  action was through the empowerment of the poor to be participants in the writing of their own history.  That is why she became a good friend of my ate Karina.  They shared in the common advocacy for empowering the poor through community organizing and development.  She believed in the highest form of charity, which Pope Francis calls “social and political charity”, which goes beyond the corporal works of mercy, or even beyond cooperative building.

Dinky preferred to work “with the poor” than “for the poor”.  She brought to them her contagious faith in human dignity.  She would have been most at home with Pope Francis’ advocacy for synodality, for the upliftment of humanity through communion, participation, and mission.  She believed in social transformation through the painstaking formation and transformation of little communities of the poor that blossom like sunflowers with very minimal care.

How could she not find so much meaning in the humble but dignified sunflower that has more seeds than petals, compactly united in the core, growing together and maturing together as they gaze at the sun?  This amazing flower remains very much alive even after its petals have withered.  It bows down eventually, only to let its seeds be scattered on the ground to rise and bloom into thousands of Sungazers like her.

The last few months of Dinky’s life were months of bowing down with her wilted petals before the Almighty Sun.  I noted this in the kind of messages that she sent me after she slowed down because of kidney failure and started having dialysis.  One time, she sent me a message in reaction to a homily I entitled RADICAL LOVE about forgiveness.  She said, “Bishop ambo I read your piece on radical love. I am crying. How can i forgive those who are responsible for all the killings around us? It so hard to do radical love for the perpetrators when I think about all the widows and the orphans. It is so cruel.”  I shared in her lament.  At another time, she asked to be guided in her reading of the Bible.  She said, “Good morning Bishop Ambo. I have taken up reading the Bible every morning. When i open the old testament i read about too many wars and God punishing people. I do not understand the message for these readings. Is there a guide book to help me interpret all the violence that I read in it? Please advise. Thank you.”

The last time I saw Dinky in her elements was when she travelled to Myanmar to share her precious experiences in social work to poor communities in that hapless country before the military junta took over. I saw her photos on FB and noted how she glowed with joy.  At the start of the pandemic, when she heard of our Caritas efforts to do hunger mitigation among the urban poor, she texted me and said, “Good afternoon Bishop Ambo. I am part of the effort of Bayanihan Musikahan raising funds to share food packs to urban poor communities.  The Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Pantawid Pamilya is one our distribution channels. I have a list of SNPP recepients that i can share with you if you wish. Please advise. Thanks.”  Hindi malilimutan ng maraming mga Pilipino ang programang nagtawid sa maraming mga dukha sa kahirapan.

When my sister-in-law, Karina Constantino David, died, she joined our Mass virtually and sent me this text afterwards, “Thank you Bishop Ambo for the Mass and the beautiful  homily. Joyful living because of self forgetting service. I will recite that to my self when i feel down. Thank you again”  In place of a period as the end of sentence, she pasted a sunflower icon.

I had just prayed my morning prayer when I received a notification on FB about Dinky’s passing.  I quickly reviewed my last exchange of messages with her.  I had a hunch already that something serious had happened when I read on FB that she was rushed back to the hospital.  I sent her a message and she did not reply anymore.  Her last reply to me was after her family recovered from Covid.  She said, “Yes, we have recovered, Bishop Ambo.  Thank you for all the prayers.  We have been attending your Sunday Masses.”  Then I said, “Take care, Dinky, regards to the family.”  She answered and said, “Thank you, Bishop Ambo.  Please continue to pray for u.” The note was punctuated by three praying hands and one virtual clap.  I noted the absence of a sunflower.

“Please continue to pray for u.”  O course I read it at first as a typo; surely she meant “pray for us.”  She missed the “s” of us.  But today, on second thought, I am tempted to think that it was deliberate.  Somewhat like the bright streak of color on her hair, or the flower that is associated with her.  For Dinky, “us” is “u” because her whole life is turned to you, to others, to her loved ones and friends, to the poor, and most of all to the Great Thou, the Eternal Sun whose face she is now gazing at.

I imagine Dinky now, in the company of Karina David and Dina Abad.  I imagine Karina playing the guitar, and Dina banging the tambourine, as Dinky dancing to the tune of the song of the Beatles, I’LL FOLLOW THE SUN.

One day you'll look to see I've gone

For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun

Some day you'll know I was the one

But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun

And now the time has come

And so my love I must go

And though I lose a friend

In the end you will know, oooh

One day you'll find that I have gone

But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun

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We Shall Remember Thee by Hector D. Soliman

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We Shall Remember Thee by Hector D. Soliman

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I first met Dinky on a provincial bus in 1975.  A group of us from an NGO  also doing community organizing,  were travelling back to Manila from Pangasinan and Dinky and Oca Francisco  boarded somewhere in Central Luzon. Someone from our group knew and introduced them and it seemed they were a bit well known already as community organizers.  They remained standing on the aisle because the bus was full and got down a few towns later.

In her passion to support people and her beloved country,  Dinky often took difficult paths and skipped comforts.  One other occasion when I witnessed her physical exhaustion and pain was on the caravan march in 2000 welcoming the Jubilee marchers, including a number of the Sumilao farmers and other sectors who had done the jubilee walk from Mindanao.  The bulk of the NCR group gathered for the salubong at Monumento but Fr. Robert Reyes invited others to meet the Jubilee marchers earlier and accompany them starting in Valenzuela.  Knowing Fr. Robert and how this would become a run instead of a walk, I firmly declined.   But Dinky, and also Risa Hontiveros were eager to welcome the marchers with Fr. Robert.   Some hours, later, after traversing the length from Monumento  to the march’s destination at  DENR on Visayas avenue, we came upon Dinky sitting with her painfully cramped legs outstretched on the  center island near DENR.  Pagod talaga!  But this was literally her willingness  to  walk  the talk, and go the extra mile with the communities.

But at the same time that she was ready for the hard, and long and winding road, she also tried to bring happiness, ease and even fun to situations and processes.  I want to borrow the words of our friend Josephine who said of Dinky, that “she did her mission in life with joy, and brought flair and sunshine in all her ways”.  And it was wonderful that  Dinky was like the medium being the message.  She was the embodiment of  gladness with her vibrant clothes, color in hair and exotic jewelry.

One gift I received from Dinky  that was especially for me was an autographed photo of Sharon Cuneta.  There was a brief sweet dedication of Sharon to me written with gold pentel pen.  Dinky and Hec had been classmates of Kiko Pangilinan at Harvard KSG, and Sharon had accompanied him there.  But it was just like Dinky to remember that I was a fan of Sharon and bring back that photo. She  laughingly said that Kiko was quite amused about my fandom.

So I am among countless friends in various communities that Dinky was able to  bless with her caring.  What can I say further then, but something that I learned from the madres (religious sisters):   Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

Magiliw ang kanyang pakikibaka,

May kembot ang sayaw!

Sa puso niya’y liwanag

Pagmamahal na lubos at umaapaw.

Maraming salamat, Dinky.

Memories of Karen Tanada, October 3, 2021.

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(This is the homily I delivered during the wake mass of Ma'am Dinky Soliman last September 29, 2021.)

An Angel in Red Vest
By Fr. Ro Atilano, SJ

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels.

In the Scriptures, archangels are spiritual beings who are sent by God on a very important mission that is usually cosmic in scale. The word archangel is derived from the Greek ἀρχάγγελος (arxággelos), literally ‘chief angel' or ‘an angel of the highest rank.’

Out of the seven archangels, three are named explicitly in the Bible. In the Book of Revelations, Michael fought against and conquered Satan and his army. In the Gospel of Luke, God sent Gabriel to announce to Mary the birth of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. In the book of Tobit, Raphael drove out the demon and cured Tobit of his blindness.

Tonight, we honor the life of a human chief, our beloved former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, sent to us by God on a very important mission. For most of us who had a personal encounter with her, she is an archangel in human form.

Before I joined the Jesuits, I used to work as the Financial Analyst of the Kalahi-CIDSS, a special project of the DSWD. I became part of the pilot team that implemented the project in Region IX. Several times, I had the chance to meet Ma’am Dinky both at the Central Office and in Zamboanga City. With those encounters with her and my three-year employment at the Department, I was converted.

I used to have a very negative attitude towards government officials and the government in general. I was a student activist back in college.  I joined rallies and street protests against government corruption. I never thought that God would eventually lead me to government service.  God had his reasons.

With my few years working with the Department, I met a lot of honest, dedicated, and sincere government officers and social workers. There was Ma’am Emy Acedo, my supervisor, who cheerfully spent most of her time in the field. I never heard her complaining about anything or counting the cost. She literally died serving the people in the area. There was Ma’am Gerry Valbuena, my regional director, who taught me complete transparency and strict honesty at work. And there was also Ma’am Cong Sumicad, Ma’am Lulung Amilhamja, and Ma’a Zeny Arevalo, just to name to a few, who helped me correct my initial wrong impression about people in the government. Of course, I don’t want to romanticize these stories, but it is true that there are still many unsung heroes and uncanonized saints in our midst, yes, even in government service.

And then, there was Maam Dinky Soliman. She was an inspiring model for us. Her commanding yet encouraging presence made us question and assess our own service and brought out the best in us. She was quick to respond to the needs of her people. It was under her leadership when KALAHI-CIDSS was implemented and the conditional cash transfer was boosted and institutionalized as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the 4Ps. In any calamity, she was there.  She helped lead massive rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Yolanda that devastated Tacloban City and Eastern Visayas.

She might have been the smallest Secretary at that time but her heart was the biggest. She had a heart of an angel.

When I resigned from the Department to enter priesthood, I wrote her a letter. This was her reply addressing to our field office:

"Thank you very much for sharing with me Mr. Roseller L. Atilano's resignation letter. It is indeed a very beautiful letter, although it is filled with the sadness that comes with every parting.

Please extend to Mr. Atilano my warmest gratitude for his dedicated service to our KALAHI project. I wish him the best for his vocation, and commend him for having the courage and strong faith to accept God's call. I am sure he would make an excellent priest, as his passion is reflected even in his letter.

To everyone at the Regional Office, thank you for finding inspiration in my leadership. I do my best to show by example how we can bring community development and empowerment to the people. I am very glad that my efforts are recognized.

Ipagpatuloy natin ang magiliw na paglilingkod!"

I kept a copy of her letter with me.

Did you know that DSWD is also known as Angels in Red Vests. During the turnover ceremony in 2016, as Ma’am Dinky hand over the flag and DSWD Red Vest to the new secretary, Ma’am Judy Taguiwalo, these words could be heard in the background:

"Ang pulang DSWD vest ay sumisimbolo sa
kahandaang magsakripisyo ng bawat kawani ng
Kagawaran alang-alang sa interes ng nakararami,
hindi lamang sa panahon ng sakuna ngunit pati sa
araw-araw na pagharap sa mga hamon ng ating mga
kababayang nangangailangan."

And now her mission is accomplished.

Isn’t that what angels really do? They come at the right time to bring good news, especially during dark times. Then, they go away when their mission is accomplished. Just like Archangel Gabriel leaving Mary after she gave her ”Yes”.

Ma’am Dinky was not perfect, far from being the spiritual archangel, just like all of us. But in her life, she was considered by many as the chief angel in red vest, of course, with some colorful hairstreaks. She was sent by God to us for an important mission. Maam Dinky brought God’s cheerful message of finding joy and hope in people especially those in need: the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and the forgotten in the society.  In her own ways, she touched many hearts, changed lives and, yes, even brought others closer to God.

And now her mission is accomplished. In God’s eyes, she did well.

Her life is a reminder for us that God has also sent each one of us to be angels to someone during these difficult times. Think of the people who need your encouragement and hope. As Christians, we are called to be bearers of hope and joy to people especially those who are lonely and struggling.

Ma’am Dinky, our chief angel in red vest, you fed the poor, gave water to the thirsty, clothed the naked, visited the sick and in prison. Welcome home, God’s good and faithful servant. Your mission is accomplished.

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PERSONAL MEMORIES: KIBAWE & DINKY

I met Dinky thru a convoluted way or maybe a typically Pinoy way. My ex-brother-in-law was a relative of Fr. Arsenio Jesena, SJ who asked my parents if we could house Dinky & Lani in Cagayan de Oro. So they stayed with us and that’s how I got into CO. After initial training in Cebu, I proceeded to Kibawe where Dinky & Lani became my trainors. What did we do in Kibawe? We walked a lot, as in a lot, to far flung barrios.  We learned to massage one another after these walks when we got to Applecrate ( what we called our quarters as it was a box with dividers ).  As we always wore jackets (maong or light ones to protect us from the sun, the rains & the cold), we were rumored to be armed which we found hilarious given our sizes. We learned how to walk in the dark, on roads without streetlights, with tutorial from Eddie. If you just walked as if you were on a city street, you could trip over the many indents/potholes on the roads (they were darker than the rest of the road) and we learned to avoid them.  How do you ascend/descend on inclines/hilly parts when it was raining or had just rained? You took off your sneakers and went barefoot for better traction. Note that sneakers in those days were those Spartan types, not the current fancy ones that may have mini-tractors for soles. How did you deal with barking & charging dogs? You stood still & said, “peace, tranquility & silence”.  To this day, I do it though infrequently now. But what was Dinky like in those days? As has already been said, she was preternaturally cheerful and there was much laughter, mostly directed at ourselves. But she was single-minded and resolute but not in a harsh nor obsessive way. One could see her focus & resolve during meetings. She listened and well.  Looking back now, I feel that her brilliance consisted in her clear-eyed purpose & objective without self-promotion and her ability to synthesize and find common ground without antagonizing holders of opposing/disparate viewpoints. Over the years, I saw her intermittently as I left CO work: her wedding to Hec, a visit to her when she had just given birth to Dino, Y’s memorial.  I last saw her in October 2017 for a reunion lunch with Lani at People’s Palace (an appropriate name). I do wish I had been more in touch but now I touch her with my thoughts & prayers. Vaya con Dios, dear Dinky.  Do watch over our beloved country and help us pray for good & light to prevail.

Pepep Gano
26 Sep 2021
4 Oct 2021

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Like many other great leaders before her, Dinky was colorful, charismatic, and a visionary. Her influence will be felt for generations. For those she leaves behind, continue your work to strengthen and expand democracy and the rule of law. It is what she would want. RIP

K.P.

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Oh, the sun is surely sinking down But the moon is slowly rising        So this old world must still be spinning round                                And I still love you                            So close your eyes                         You can close your eyes, it's alright I don't know no love songs               I can't sing the blues anymore     Oh but I can sing this song         You can sing this song when I'm gone                                                        

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Oh, the sun is surely sinking down But the moon is slowly rising        So this old world must still be spinning round                                And I still love you                            So close your eyes                         You can close your eyes, it's alright I don't know no love songs               I can't sing the blues anymore     Oh but I can sing this song         You can sing this song when I'm gone                                                        

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Debs <3 This one's for you our sunflower!

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Seguro Sec ang lakas ng halakhak mo kagabi nong nakita mong baliktad ang placard ko. 

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For sure we will keep your memories very tight;
In our hearts forever you will be remembered like a candle burning in the dark.

By Irene Malong

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26 September 2021 | Eulogy for Dinky Soliman by Bill Luz

I met Dinky many years ago when I was still executive director of Makati Business Club (MBC). At the time, there were few opportunities for the business community to interact with Civil Society. Though we hadn’t met yet, we were on the same side of the fence fighting a common enemy – authoritarianism, injustice, rising poverty, and a failing economy. We were also fighting for a common cause – the return of democracy, accountability and transparency in governance and government, and the return of good government. We had to all get involved in nation-building in that immediate post-People Power One period. The organizational cultures of NGOs and the Business Community were very different and this is where Dinky played a major role. She was basically the bridge between our two communities; she was the one who could both understand and communicate each group’s perspectives to each other. While it is easy for groups to agree on what they are against, it is far more difficult for those same groups to agree on what they are for. We did not always understand each other but Dinky had that special skill of bridging our views so we could move towards common objectives. This was the way it was from the People Power I to People Power II period. Post-People Power II, Dinky’s role of being a bridge took on a new role when she crossed over to government. Here she used her considerable skills and energy to drive a development strategy in her role as DSWD Secretary. But even as she was effective in her role, she never lost sight of the need for good governance. Her joining Hyatt 10 reflected that view as she exited government. Her re-entry into government during the Aquino Administration gave us another opportunity in the business community to work with her. When natural disasters hit, we would work closely with DSWD, especially when they set up NROC right after Super typhoon Yolanda. We also liked how Dinky worked to introduce technology into DSWD’s projects. We especially liked introducing her to GCash to use digital cash payments for the Conditional Cash Transfers. Imagine the efficiency and reach of these cash transfers when they were technology-enabled. Dinky was always so full of energy, especially when reaching out to help people. I recall Corie and I even bumped into her in Bohol a few weeks after the earthquake struck in 2013. I learned Dinky was also in Bohol and before we knew it we were invited by her to visit the relief packing centers in Bohol with the Governor, Australian Ambassador, and the World Food Programme. It was a great day watching Dinky in action, inspiring and encouraging the volunteers in the packing centers who were preparing two-week food packs for families. As natural disasters began to strike with more regularity starting in 2013, the private sector through our Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) worked closely with Dinky and DSWD to transport the relief goods. DSWD provided the goods while we handled logistics. It was a great partnership which continues to this day. Finally, by the time this pandemic struck we found ourselves working together again in this CSO Collab network. Like-minded individuals and organizations were brought together again by Dinky and Marissa to coordinate efforts. We started by comparing our respective feeding programs and making sure that we didn’t duplicate areas and sectors so we could all extend our reach. Later on this evolved into working together to think through how to get people vaccinated. This led us to enter into a partnership among NGOs and some LGUs to improve their vaccine microplans. The common denominator was always Dinky. She connected people and enabled us to understand each other and to see each others’ point of view. Her facilitation skills were unparalleled. We will miss Dinky, not only because we lost a friend but because we lost someone who represented decency, honesty, and integrity, values in such short supply these days.

Farewell Dinky, our bridge and builder of bridges.

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NOV 2013. A rare photo of SCJS leading a VTC with her officials in the early days of STS Yolanda response. 

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"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." --Jim Rohn

SecDinky's indefatigable actions in the field exemplified a unique brand of servant leadership worth emulating.  Padayon! SecDinky.

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Secretary Dinky, you have shared your passion and compassion in serving our catountry particularly uplifting the poor to give them the dignity they deserve. Many have talked and written about your untiring efforts to serve specially during crisis situations. However, you have also raised the bar for the Philippines at the international and regional (ASEAN and Asia and the Pacific. I have had the privileged of joining Secretary in her travels abroad.  I do remember our trip to Beijing for a children. I think she was new at the DSWD and I noticed her somewhat uneasiness with all the attention given her. Her speech was very well received confirming the Philippines commitment to the UNCRC. We had a brief tour of the Great Wall of China which she reached to the highest level! At the UN, while negotiations on the World for Children document, she showed her perseverance and patience with the slow proceedings until 2 o'clock in the morning! At the ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Social Welfare and Development, she has shown her leadership in the discussion of matters espoused by the DSWD. Indeed, Secretary Dinky, made sure our advocacies for a better peaceful world particularly for children is held up high! Sec. Dinky, I am one in saluting you as a social worker par excellence and as a leader of the DSWD and other civil society groups. Your memories will live forever in my heart and your legacies will be remembered by others whom you have touched in their lives, like mine. Thank you and sunflower blessings to all!  

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Secretary Dinky, you have shared your passion and compassion in serving our catountry particularly uplifting the poor to give them the dignity they deserve. Many have talked and written about your untiring efforts to serve specially during crisis situations. However, you have also raised the bar for the Philippines at the international and regional (ASEAN and Asia and the Pacific. I have had the privileged of joining Secretary in her travels abroad.  I do remember our trip to Beijing for a children. I think she was new at the DSWD and I noticed her somewhat uneasiness with all the attention given her. Her speech was very well received confirming the Philippines commitment to the UNCRC. We had a brief tour of the Great Wall of China which she reached to the highest level! At the UN, while negotiations on the World for Children document, she showed her perseverance and patience with the slow proceedings until 2 o'clock in the morning! At the ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Social Welfare and Development, she has shown her leadership in the discussion of matters espoused by the DSWD. Indeed, Secretary Dinky, made sure our advocacies for a better peaceful world particularly for children is held up high! Sec. Dinky, I am one in saluting you as a social worker par excellence and as a leader of the DSWD and other civil society groups. Your memories will live forever in my heart and your legacies will be remembered by others whom you have touched in their lives, like mine. Thank you and sunflower blessings to all!  

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I I

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One of my most poignant memories of Ma'am Dinky was just before she left DSWD in 2016.

During the celebration of her service, she said that one of the most noble acts on earth was "to love a mortal, to hold them close, and when the time comes, to let them go."

I'm glad to have known her and hope to someday be as noble as her. Thank you for coloring in our lives po.

#SunflowerWishesDinky

Abi de la Cruz, KC-NCDDP

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Thank you Sec. Dinky for your great contributions to DSWD. You are truly an inspiration to all of us. Your legacy will live forever. Rest well in the paradise with the Lord 🌻🌻🌻

Melanie G. Juan
DSWD FO Caraga

#SunflowerWishesDinky

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Secretary Dinky is an epitome of matapat, mahusay, at magiliw na servant leader. Salamat po sa pagiging isang modelo at inspiration nang tunay na paglilingkod sa publiko. Thank you for your laughters, great leadership in DSWD, and legacy in the world. We love you po.

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Secretary Dinky is an epitome of matapat, mahusay, at magiliw na servant leader. Salamat po sa pagiging isang modelo at inspiration nang tunay na paglilingkod sa publiko. Thank you for your laughters, great leadership in DSWD, and legacy in the world. We love you po.

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Ana Sta. Ana
HRMDS

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Salamat, former DSWD Secretary Corazon Victoria "Dinky" Nerves Juliano-Soliman.

#DSWDGitnangLuzon

#DSWDMayMalasakit

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DSWD FO 3 Message to Former Sec Dinky.mp4

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The most down-to-earth Secretary I have ever known during my career as Social Welfare Officer of Abra. Your memories will remain in our hearts. Rest in Eternal Peace Secretary.

-Decimia D. Cabang (Ret PSWDO Abra)

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Sec. Dinky. PDPB will miss you! Sunflower wishes, Ma'am!

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Field Office VIII audio visual tribute to Sec. Dinky.

D - Does not complain and always ready to give her heart out in name of social welfare services.

I - Interested in the welfare of the Filipino people.

N - Noteworthy legacy that will live on forever.

K - Knight with the nobility for the poor. She has shown courage throughout her life in DSWD.

Y - Young at heart. Like a sunflower, she was a ray of sunshine wherever she goes. You will be remembered Secretary Dinky.

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Disaster Response Information Management FO8

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DSWD Field Office VIII is one with the whole agency in celebrating Sec. Dinky's life and legacy. The office set up a tribute booth for the well-loved leader whose life became an inspiration in the field of social welfare services. We are forever grateful for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, DSWD's sunflower, Sec. Dinky!

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DSWD Field Office VIII is one with the whole agency in celebrating Sec. Dinky's life and legacy. The office set up a tribute booth for the well-loved leader whose life became an inspiration in the field of social welfare services. We are forever grateful for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, DSWD's sunflower, Sec. Dinky!

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Dinky, your leadership will be missed in these challenging times.

Corinne Canlas

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- DSWD Asec. Rodolfo M. Santos, CESO II

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https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR38TgWrHBQp1BvngOhTjjol9AICrJzTbnzFh7N66sCvQg-Ny069YspZCvw&v=_lyiQoFlnyk&feature=youtu.be

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HEAL OUR LAND - Episode 42: A Woman of Character

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One of the most memorable moments of my Yolanda ordeal was on the 4th day of the aftermath when my (cadaver retrieval)team was totally drained and dehydrated from the heat. We gathered dead bodies in San Jose the whole day and we ran out of drinking water and there was no food anywhere. We just laid flat on the ground outside cityhall where we brought the dead bodies. At one point I was already about to pass out due to heat and exhaustion, one of the army men picked up a fallen coconut, broke it open and shared the coconut water to me. When I felt I could stand again, I immediately went to the DSWD post and there, I saw Sec. Dinky. She saw me at once and knew I was not doing well. I mumbled the words "no food, no water." She immediately brought me inside the post and fed me and gave me water. and when I told her my team is dehydrated and exhausted, she carried a whole sack of food and told me to take it to my team and the army men helping us. And she asked me to bring 2 of them back to get more. She also prepared 4 gallons of water  for us. We had enough for the team and even for survivors begging for food. It was just her the whole time. She lifted the sack of food, the gallons of water. she didn't ask anyone to do it for her. I was struck (but not surprised)by her compassion and urgent desire to serve me and my team. I will never forget that day. I will never forget her.   --A.G. Saño 

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One of the most memorable moments of my Yolanda ordeal was on the 4th day of the aftermath when my (cadaver retrieval)team was totally drained and dehydrated from the heat. We gathered dead bodies in San Jose the whole day and we ran out of drinking water and there was no food anywhere. We just laid flat on the ground outside cityhall where we brought the dead bodies. At one point I was already about to pass out due to heat and exhaustion, one of the army men picked up a fallen coconut, broke it open and shared the coconut water to me. When I felt I could stand again, I immediately went to the DSWD post and there, I saw Sec. Dinky. She saw me at once and knew I was not doing well. I mumbled the words "no food, no water." She immediately brought me inside the post and fed me and gave me water. and when I told her my team is dehydrated and exhausted, she carried a whole sack of food and told me to take it to my team and the army men helping us. And she asked me to bring 2 of them back to get more. She also prepared 4 gallons of water  for us. We had enough for the team and even for survivors begging for food. It was just her the whole time. She lifted the sack of food, the gallons of water. she didn't ask anyone to do it for her. I was struck (but not surprised)by her compassion and urgent desire to serve me and my team. I will never forget that day. I will never forget her.   --A.G. Saño 

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https://www.thediarist.ph/the-time-i-spent-with-my-sunflower/?fbclid=IwAR1cRCNkOgHsuS_u3dVPKHz0NF6BEV3Pw_TkWQlasUNzihY6065BqKCUmuY

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Last week, I noticed that my energy and productivity levels were quite low. It was not physical exhaustion, but more a mental, and probably even an unconscious psychological weariness that made me feel less motivated to do what I knew were important things I needed to attend to, personally and professionally.

I did manage to go through all the Zoom meetings I had scheduled for the week, and I like to think that all of those meetings went well. But in between the meetings, I just found myself at times staring at the computer screen, not knowing what I should be focusing on during those moments.

Looking back, the only time I sort of felt this way was during the early part of the pandemic. The uncertainty of those times truly brought out much anxiety, paranoia, and fear, which, I initially brushed aside until more physiological symptoms like high blood pressure, irregular sleeping patterns, and low energy levels started to manifest.

Digging deeper in search of what was causing the unease, it became clear that the events happening around me then and today reminded me of my mortality. The ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases has again led to so many deaths, and quite a number of such deaths (both COVID-related or not) hit very close to home.

The most recent of such transitions was my dear friend Dinky Soliman.

After Noy's presidency, Dinky was one of those who went out of her way to periodically check on Noy, whether by text, a call, or an actual visit to his home on Times street. I know this because each time she would have the chance, Dinky would immediately update and compare notes with me on how Noy was doing. She was very concerned about how Noy was taking a beating from his critics and political opponents. She was also so worried about how Noy, by his lonesome, was quietly absorbing all the lies and political persecutions being thrown at him.

Dinky was one of those who went out of her way to periodically check on Noy, whether by text, a call, or an actual visit

When Noy's health started to fail, she was also constantly checking on Noy's condition, and would send me feedback on how we could find ways to help Noy cope with his failing health. Last May 22, she updated me on her text exchange with him, where she expressed her concern over how Noy was taking the passing of Sister Agnes, his close confidante and spiritual director.

On June 14, she again sent me another text update on Noy and gave very concrete recommendations on how a change of scene could help Noy cope better with his health condition.

Of course, this idea of a Tagaytay hiatus never materialized, as 10 days later, Noy left us. But up to that point, Dinky was steadfast in watching over Noy. To her, Noy was not just her former boss; Noy was a younger brother.

Beyond adopting Noy as a younger brother, Dinky also took on many other roles towards many other people. Various individuals and sectors who had the privilege of working closely with or simply encountering Dinky have described her as their leader, mentor, mother, tita, lola, with all the endearing adjectives attached.

To me, Dinky was one of my most trusted companions in my life journey. She was always there to listen when I needed someone to rant to about my frustrations; to give wise advice when I sought wisdom; to jolt me back to action when I seemed to be sliding towards apathy and indifference; to inspire me when I needed an extra push to continue fighting the (not so easy) good fight.

Months before Noy's death, she was actually celebrating some health victories when she shifted to a plant-based diet. Weeks after the shift, she told me that her blood sugar count had dropped dramatically, to the point that she no longer needed to inject insulin. More important, she said that doctors also saw significant improvements in her creatinine levels then, which meant that her kidneys that had been damaged by her diabetes were still holding on, and that she could still escape dialysis. She was so proud of this, and declared that she had never felt so strong and healthy as she did then.

Unfortunately, as life goes, new battles and challenges emerge. Last July 10, I got another text from Dinky regarding her own failing health. This came just a little over two weeks after Noy's passing, and we were all still grieving our loss. Reading her text, I could sense the growing anxiety that she was feeling.

I imagine the paralyzing fear that might have surrounded her at that time

Knowing that Noy's health challenge (and eventual cause of death) closely resembled hers, I could not help but put myself in Dinky's situation and imagine the paralyzing fear that might have surrounded her at that time. But that was me and my imagination. Coming from my own assumption of how Dinky may have been feeling then, I gave her the comforting advice to just take it easy. In my mind, thinking that she was probably physically and emotionally drained by the unfortunate turn of events, I suggested that because I knew at that time that she was still actively participating in meetings called by Vice President Leni Robredo at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) regarding various projects where she needed Dinky's help. Her response was, "Okay lang naman," punctuated by a smiling emoticon.

This was just one of so many other stories of the courage and determination that Dinky demonstrated all her life. Her fidelity to mission was unquestionable and unflinching.

A few weeks after, I got another text message from Dinky. This time, however, I saw a Dinky I had never seen before. My dear friend was at her most vulnerable. I could sense that death was staring her in the face, and by her own words, it appeared that she wanted to know if her time was up.

I have to admit that the eventuality of death is still something that I continue to grapple with. Often, when the idea enters my consciousness, I immediately dismiss it and start thinking of other things. I guess this feeling I am struggling with is, to a large extent, again a denial of the idea that the journey here on earth can end at any time.

But Dinky, my ever-present companion in this pilgrimage of life, once again reminded me to be brave and trusting in facing death. Her desire for discernment at the imminence of death taught me two important points that I think I am missing out on each time I snub death when it makes its presence felt in my life.

First is the importance of embracing my discerned mission to the very end. By her life example, Dinky showed how fully committed she was to the mission she discovered. She literally wasted no time in sharing the gifts of her humanity with others who had less. For Dinky, it was a constant recognition of overflowing grace and a tireless emptying for others who had been deprived of it.

When she said, "Some level of depression is setting in," I could sense that Dinky still wanted to find a way to beat the overwhelming odds against her. Her resolve to overcome her depression was again Dinky's relentless drive to squeeze every bit of life she had left, so she could pursue her mission to her last breath. She was never one to wallow in self-pity, because as many have witnessed, Dinky's life was really all about what was in it for others.

Her resolve to overcome her depression was again Dinky's relentless drive to squeeze every bit of life she had left

Second is the total trust in God's plan and promise. The most difficult struggle I have about death is my separation from people I love. Dinky's desire for discernment as death stared her in the face, was probably an expression of her own struggle to detach herself from people that she had loved so much, people she felt responsible for.

I am then reminded of the parting lines shared by the Fox with the Little Prince:
"Goodbye," said the fox. And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye...It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important...People have forgotten this truth," the fox said. "But you mustn't forget it. You become responsible forever for what you've tamed. You're responsible for your rose." Dinky Soliman: 'Walang ninakaw. Nakatira pa rin sa maliit na bahay' Where are the millennials and the GenZ? Helping, working tirelessly, quietly 'Alalahanin, Gunitain': Revisiting our years with 'Mr. Pagsi' Only three minutes of self-pity
It was quite obvious that Dinky was in pain, tired, and in anguish but she did also not seem ready to leave the people she loved so dearly in a world that continues to be wounded, broken, and vicious.

Since that text exchange on August 1, I think Dinky did not get the chance to do the retreat she sought to do. In the days that followed came the final health rollercoaster ride that she, Hec, and their family went through, with their entire household testing positive for COVID-19, and Dinky suffering two strokes that eventually led to her passing.

Then again, maybe Dinky did not need to go on that retreat anymore. She was probably already in close contact with the Lord. In our text exchanges at the height of her family's COVID crisis, her brief messages assured me that she was coping well, and her simple requests for continuous prayers somehow made me feel that Dinky was at peace with what was going on. There was no sign of bitterness and anger over how the world was crumbling on her and her loved ones. It was as if she was already assured that all would be well. In the end, it was total trust and surrender to the One who probably told her, "Here is my secret. It's quite simple...It is the time I spent with my Sunflower that makes her so important. People forget this. I am responsible for the people I tame."

Rest in peace, Dinks. I know you know more than all of us that indeed, all will be well.

Read more:

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The time I spent with my sunflower - The Diarist.ph

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Last week, I noticed that my energy and productivity levels were quite low. It was not physical exhaustion, but more a mental, and probably even an unconscious psychological weariness that made me feel less motivated to do what I knew were important things I needed to attend to, personally and professionally.

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"I have to admit that the eventuality of death is still something that I continue to grapple with.   Often, when the idea enters my consciousness, I immediately dismiss it and start thinking of other things. I guess this feeling I am struggling with is, to a large extent, again a denial of the idea that the journey here on earth can end at any time.

But Dinky, my ever-present companion in this pilgrimage of life, once again reminded me to be brave and trusting in facing death."

My deepest condolences to Hec and children. Thank you for sharing Dinky with all of us.

https://www.thediarist.ph/the-time-i-spent-with-my-sunflower/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Last week, I noticed that my energy and productivity levels were quite low. It was not physical exhaustion, but more a mental, and probably even an unconscious psychological weariness that made me feel less motivated to do what I knew were important things I needed to attend to, personally and professionally.

I did manage to go through all the Zoom meetings I had scheduled for the week, and I like to think that all of those meetings went well. But in between the meetings, I just found myself at times staring at the computer screen, not knowing what I should be focusing on during those moments.

Looking back, the only time I sort of felt this way was during the early part of the pandemic. The uncertainty of those times truly brought out much anxiety, paranoia, and fear, which, I initially brushed aside until more physiological symptoms like high blood pressure, irregular sleeping patterns, and low energy levels started to manifest.

Digging deeper in search of what was causing the unease, it became clear that the events happening around me then and today reminded me of my mortality. The ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases has again led to so many deaths, and quite a number of such deaths (both COVID-related or not) hit very close to home.

The most recent of such transitions was my dear friend Dinky Soliman.

After Noy's presidency, Dinky was one of those who went out of her way to periodically check on Noy, whether by text, a call, or an actual visit to his home on Times street. I know this because each time she would have the chance, Dinky would immediately update and compare notes with me on how Noy was doing. She was very concerned about how Noy was taking a beating from his critics and political opponents. She was also so worried about how Noy, by his lonesome, was quietly absorbing all the lies and political persecutions being thrown at him.

Dinky was one of those who went out of her way to periodically check on Noy, whether by text, a call, or an actual visit

When Noy's health started to fail, she was also constantly checking on Noy's condition, and would send me feedback on how we could find ways to help Noy cope with his failing health. Last May 22, she updated me on her text exchange with him, where she expressed her concern over how Noy was taking the passing of Sister Agnes, his close confidante and spiritual director.

On June 14, she again sent me another text update on Noy and gave very concrete recommendations on how a change of scene could help Noy cope better with his health condition.

Of course, this idea of a Tagaytay hiatus never materialized, as 10 days later, Noy left us. But up to that point, Dinky was steadfast in watching over Noy. To her, Noy was not just her former boss; Noy was a younger brother.

Beyond adopting Noy as a younger brother, Dinky also took on many other roles towards many other people. Various individuals and sectors who had the privilege of working closely with or simply encountering Dinky have described her as their leader, mentor, mother, tita, lola, with all the endearing adjectives attached.

To me, Dinky was one of my most trusted companions in my life journey. She was always there to listen when I needed someone to rant to about my frustrations; to give wise advice when I sought wisdom; to jolt me back to action when I seemed to be sliding towards apathy and indifference; to inspire me when I needed an extra push to continue fighting the (not so easy) good fight.

Months before Noy's death, she was actually celebrating some health victories when she shifted to a plant-based diet. Weeks after the shift, she told me that her blood sugar count had dropped dramatically, to the point that she no longer needed to inject insulin. More important, she said that doctors also saw significant improvements in her creatinine levels then, which meant that her kidneys that had been damaged by her diabetes were still holding on, and that she could still escape dialysis. She was so proud of this, and declared that she had never felt so strong and healthy as she did then.

Unfortunately, as life goes, new battles and challenges emerge. Last July 10, I got another text from Dinky regarding her own failing health. This came just a little over two weeks after Noy's passing, and we were all still grieving our loss. Reading her text, I could sense the growing anxiety that she was feeling.

I imagine the paralyzing fear that might have surrounded her at that time

Knowing that Noy's health challenge (and eventual cause of death) closely resembled hers, I could not help but put myself in Dinky's situation and imagine the paralyzing fear that might have surrounded her at that time. But that was me and my imagination. Coming from my own assumption of how Dinky may have been feeling then, I gave her the comforting advice to just take it easy. In my mind, thinking that she was probably physically and emotionally drained by the unfortunate turn of events, I suggested that because I knew at that time that she was still actively participating in meetings called by Vice President Leni Robredo at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) regarding various projects where she needed Dinky's help. Her response was, "Okay lang naman," punctuated by a smiling emoticon.

This was just one of so many other stories of the courage and determination that Dinky demonstrated all her life. Her fidelity to mission was unquestionable and unflinching.

A few weeks after, I got another text message from Dinky. This time, however, I saw a Dinky I had never seen before. My dear friend was at her most vulnerable. I could sense that death was staring her in the face, and by her own words, it appeared that she wanted to know if her time was up.

I have to admit that the eventuality of death is still something that I continue to grapple with. Often, when the idea enters my consciousness, I immediately dismiss it and start thinking of other things. I guess this feeling I am struggling with is, to a large extent, again a denial of the idea that the journey here on earth can end at any time.

But Dinky, my ever-present companion in this pilgrimage of life, once again reminded me to be brave and trusting in facing death. Her desire for discernment at the imminence of death taught me two important points that I think I am missing out on each time I snub death when it makes its presence felt in my life.

First is the importance of embracing my discerned mission to the very end. By her life example, Dinky showed how fully committed she was to the mission she discovered. She literally wasted no time in sharing the gifts of her humanity with others who had less. For Dinky, it was a constant recognition of overflowing grace and a tireless emptying for others who had been deprived of it.

When she said, "Some level of depression is setting in," I could sense that Dinky still wanted to find a way to beat the overwhelming odds against her. Her resolve to overcome her depression was again Dinky's relentless drive to squeeze every bit of life she had left, so she could pursue her mission to her last breath. She was never one to wallow in self-pity, because as many have witnessed, Dinky's life was really all about what was in it for others.

Her resolve to overcome her depression was again Dinky's relentless drive to squeeze every bit of life she had left

Second is the total trust in God's plan and promise. The most difficult struggle I have about death is my separation from people I love. Dinky's desire for discernment as death stared her in the face, was probably an expression of her own struggle to detach herself from people that she had loved so much, people she felt responsible for.

I am then reminded of the parting lines shared by the Fox with the Little Prince:
"Goodbye," said the fox. And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye...It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important...People have forgotten this truth," the fox said. "But you mustn't forget it. You become responsible forever for what you've tamed. You're responsible for your rose." Dinky Soliman: 'Walang ninakaw. Nakatira pa rin sa maliit na bahay' Where are the millennials and the GenZ? Helping, working tirelessly, quietly 'Alalahanin, Gunitain': Revisiting our years with 'Mr. Pagsi' Only three minutes of self-pity
It was quite obvious that Dinky was in pain, tired, and in anguish but she did also not seem ready to leave the people she loved so dearly in a world that continues to be wounded, broken, and vicious.

Since that text exchange on August 1, I think Dinky did not get the chance to do the retreat she sought to do. In the days that followed came the final health rollercoaster ride that she, Hec, and their family went through, with their entire household testing positive for COVID-19, and Dinky suffering two strokes that eventually led to her passing.

Then again, maybe Dinky did not need to go on that retreat anymore. She was probably already in close contact with the Lord. In our text exchanges at the height of her family's COVID crisis, her brief messages assured me that she was coping well, and her simple requests for continuous prayers somehow made me feel that Dinky was at peace with what was going on. There was no sign of bitterness and anger over how the world was crumbling on her and her loved ones. It was as if she was already assured that all would be well. In the end, it was total trust and surrender to the One who probably told her, "Here is my secret. It's quite simple...It is the time I spent with my Sunflower that makes her so important. People forget this. I am responsible for the people I tame."

Rest in peace, Dinks. I know you know more than all of us that indeed, all will be well.

Read more:

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The time I spent with my sunflower - The Diarist.ph

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Last week, I noticed that my energy and productivity levels were quite low. It was not physical exhaustion, but more a mental, and probably even an unconscious psychological weariness that made me feel less motivated to do what I knew were important things I needed to attend to, personally and professionally.

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I WORKED CLOSELY WITH SEC DINKY AS NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGER OF KALAHI CIDSS, AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR OPERATIONS AND AS PROJECT DIRECTOR FOR 4PS, NATIONAL COMMUNITY DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD PROJECT.

SHE WAS A SERVANT-LEADER. SHE WORKED HARD LIKE ANYONE OF US. SHE STRONGLY BELIEVED IN THE PRINCIPLE THAT HELPING THE POOR AND THE DISADVANTAGE IS KEY TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.. TRUE TO THE WORDS OF WILLIAM JAMES, THE TEST OF CHARACTER IS NOT CHOOSING THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE BUT THE PATH OF GREATEST TRACTION. SHE RESISTED THE TEMPTATION TO MAKE EASY CHOICES. SHE MADE MAJOR REFORMS IN DSWD BY LAUNCHING AND EXPANDING SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS AMIDST CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS.

UNDER HER WATCH, SHE STEERED THE EXPANSION OF 4PS, KALAHI-CIDSS, SLP, SOCIAL PENSION AND OTHER SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS SETTING RESPONSIVE  INNOVATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES IN POLICY FORMULATION AND SERVICES DELIVERY.

SHE WAS AN UNRIVALED OPTIMIST. ON THE 2ND DAY AFTER YOLANDA STRUCK TACLOBAN CITY, DURING THE PROVINCIAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION COUNCIL MEETING, SHE DECLARED THAT DSWD WILL FLOOD THE CITY WITH RICE. I THOUGHT SHE WAS JOKING. THEN SHE GLANCED AT ME AND SAID “DO IT ASAP”, THE PRESIDENT IS COMING TOMORROW. TOGETHER WITH DIR RAMOS OF DSWD 8, WE TOOK OVER A HALF FLOODED NFA WAREHOUSE AND ORGANIZED NEARBY WOULD BE LOOTERS INTO RICE REPACKERS.

TWO DAYS AFTER, SHE ASKED ME TO INSPECT A WAREHOUSE OF ONE RICE MILLER WHO OFFERED RICE TO DSWD. WHILE INSPECTING THE RICE, THE WAREHOUSE GUARD RAN TO THE OWNER TELLING HIM THAT LOOTERS ARE OUTSIDE THE GATE. SABI NI DIR RAMOS, ALIS NA TAYO, DI KAYANG PIGILAN NG MGA POLIS ANG MGA LOOTERS. BUT I REMEMBERED SEC DINKY’S PROMISE, INSTEAD OF RUNNING AWAY, I TOLD THE OWNER, WE ARE TAKING OVER THE WAREHOUSE AND REQUESTED HIM TO INSTRUCT THE GUARDS TO LINE UP THE PEOPLE AND THERE AND THEN, WE DISTRIBUTED RICE.  THAT AFTERNOON, WE LITERALLY ENDED THE LOOTING.

SHE WAS A FIGHTER PAR EXCELLENCE. WE WENT TO NEDA BOARD AND PRESENTED THE PROPOSALS FOR SCALING UP KALAHI CIDDS INTO A NATIONAL PROGRAM AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR 4PS. WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A WALK IN THE PARK SINCE THOSE WERE ALREADY APPROVED BY THE ICC TECHNICAL AND CABINET LEVEL COMMITTEES. WE GOT IT ALL WRONG. PRES AQUINO WITH MATCHING WHITE BOARD STARTED ASKING POLICY AND TECHNICAL QUESTIONS ON THE PROJECTS. SEC DINKY MADE AN SPIRITED DEFENSE BUT THE PRESIDENT WAS UNCONVINCED. THE SUCCEEDING BOARD MEETINGS WERE LIKE A DISSERTATION DEFENSE AND SEC DINKY WAS THE PERSISTENT DEFENDER OF ALL. WE MADE FIVE APPEARANCES IN THE BOARD AND WHEN IT WAS OVER, SEC DINKY TOLD ME, MILO, NOW YOU KNOW THE DRILL”,  THEREAFTER, WHENEVER THERE ARE PRESENTATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT, SHE WILL JUST LOOK AT ME AND SAY, YOU KNOW THE DRILL.

IN FIELD VISITS, PICTURES TAKEN BY HER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT WOULD SHOW THAT AM ALWAYS AT HER BACK ESPECIALLY DURING PROJECT WALK THROUGHS OR INSPECTION OF DISASTER AFFECTED AREAS. AKALA NG IBA, YUN TALAGA ANG TAMANG POSITION KO SA LIKOD. HINDI KO SINADYA YUN. TALAGANG DI KO SYA MASABAYAN NG LAKAD. SABI NGA NI DIR CHI, SHE DOESN’T WALK, SHE GALLOPS.

SHE WAS A TIRELESS ACHIEVER. HER YEARS OF SERVICE WERE MARKED WITH EXCELLENCE THAT LED TO UNPARALLELED ACHIEVEMENTS. UNDER HER STEWARDSHIP, DSWD REACHED ITS APEX OF PERFORMANCE. WE HAVE ABUNDANTLY BENEFITED FROM HER EXAMPLES.

HER HUMBLE WAYS RAISED THE BAR ON HOW GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN OFFICE AND IN PUBLIC. HER ENTIRE GOVERNMENT SERVICE HAS NEVER BEEN TAINTED WITH WRONGDOING; NEITHER WAS SHE INTOXICATED WITH POWER. SHE MANAGED TO KEEP HER CHARACTER UNBLEMISHED TILL THE END.

WE LOST A TRUE PATRIOT. SHE HAS RETUNED HOME. SHE WILL BE TRULY AND SORELY MISSED. THANKS SECRETARY DINKY FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES.

TO ATTY HEC AND TO THE JULIANO-SOLIMAN FAMILY, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING SEC DINKY TO DSWD AND TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES.

MILO

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May the winds sow the seeds of your sunflowers 

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May the winds sow the seeds of your sunflowers 

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Far and wide, in the hearts and minds of the new generation of servant leaders you inspired; to keep your legacy of selfless service to the poor and marginalized. Mabuhay ka,Dinky!!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!

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We are now the seeds of your sunflowers 

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We are now the seeds of your sunflowers 

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At every turn, we will keep your legacy alive by the kindness we extend to our neighbors. Your sunflower inspiration will live on. Love, Ate Lina

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Rarely does a meeting happen on birthdays. But it did on my special day when Sec. Dinky called for it somewhere in Region I. The air of happiness and admiration afloat that very day. She exuded an epitome of a leader vested in humility and care for her people. I love her and looked up to her as my motivator indeed. It was my big day and my chance that I had a pix with her numerously in different poses so proud and gay. Her mere voice is so soft that it can melt your heart to commit yourself to serve. Her action speaks of a plan executed with caution and vision. Sec. Dinky is a kind of leader you will cherish forever, her memory lives on and her smile lingers as you serve the people. I will forever reminisce my day with you. Have your peaceful rest with our Creator. Thank you for being part of my DSWD life.

Maricel T. Balisi
DSWD-FO2/SLP

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To pay tribute and respect to the life and legacy of former DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman, DSWD Field Office VIII has lowered its flags to half-mast following her demise last September 19, 2021. Known for her trademark "sunflower" personality which means warmth, optimism, and hope, Sec. Soliman's remarkable legacy in the field of social welfare services will always be an inspiration to all. The DSWD Field Office VIII is one with the nation in praying for the eternal repose of the soul of former Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman. We thank her for serving the agency and for showing compassion towards the poor, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged sectors of Region VIII. Thank you and may you rest in peace, Sec.Dinky!

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To pay tribute and respect to the life and legacy of former DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman, DSWD Field Office VIII has lowered its flags to half-mast following her demise last September 19, 2021. Known for her trademark "sunflower" personality which means warmth, optimism, and hope, Sec. Soliman's remarkable legacy in the field of social welfare services will always be an inspiration to all. The DSWD Field Office VIII is one with the nation in praying for the eternal repose of the soul of former Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman. We thank her for serving the agency and for showing compassion towards the poor, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged sectors of Region VIII. Thank you and may you rest in peace, Sec.Dinky!

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For Dinky:
Thank you Lilian, Pepep, Vk and most of all Dinky for organizing this momentous event.
I first met Dinky in 1970 when she was 17. She visited Bais where I was organizing sugar workers. We were on a general strike. Despite the guns of the goons of the hacienderos and the hunger of thousands of sugar workers, there was already something about Dinky. She immediately became one of us, yet she remained pleasant and cheerful. She was already a sunflower.
My friendship with dinky spanned more than fifty years. Oftentimes working together, sometimes separately, but always walking towards the same horizon. The last time I was with her was a couple of weeks before the pandemic. It was at COM with Tessie, Alice and Luz. Dinky and I exchanged notes about our diabetes.

When I received almost simultaneously 3 text messages that fateful Sunday morning, what vividly came to mind was Dinky and I on a bus in Bukidnon. I pointed to a hill and I promised her that I would fill that hill with sunflowers. Now it is too late, I thought.

Later after seeing the so many friends that Dinky has touched, I realized that Dinky had already planted sunflowers in the hearts of so many people, both high and low. My sunflowers in that hill would be superfluous.

In our younger years, Benjy and I used to tease Dinky by calling her Pollyanna. I could not understand why Dinky did not feel insulted, not even pleasantly insulted. This morning, I went to Google and realized why not. Pollyanna was a character in a popular 1960 movie that featured child actress Hayley Mills. Pollyanna was congenitally biased towards the positive, obsessively cheerful no matter what.

Then I realized that like Pollyanna, Dinky’s cheerfully was merely a method to cover the challenges she faced as she dreamed the impossible dream and bore her unbearable sorrows. I am not sure whether her hands were ever too weary. But I am almost sure that she must have  lied peaceful and calm when she was laid to my rest.

But what I am very sure, Dinky, is that the world is better for this that you have with your last ounce of courage fought to reach the unreachable star.

Dinky, let me correct myself. With God’s blessings and your continued intercession, the star will not be unreachable.  We will reach the star.

Bimbo
September 25, 2021

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After every conversation with Ma'am Dinky, I was left impressed and hopeful.

Impressed because in discussions filled with numerous fact, opinions, and complexities she always found the heart of every matter, and got everyone to agree on what to do next.

Hopeful because even under difficult times and situations, she always found a way to make the world a better place. And even in the heaviest topics, she would pull out an appropriate inspirational quote, or make a witty remark.

I was hoping that I would get to work with Ma'am Dinky again someday, - however I am so blessed to have already basked in her light. And through all that she has done, this light continues to shine on.

Rest well Ma'am Dinky, and condolences to the Soliman family and the NGO community.

- Kira Chan, former CSO Collab

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"Isang Magiliw, Matapat, at Mapag palang Araw sa ating lahat", yan yong palagi nating naririnig sa kanyang pambungad na pagbati. Ako po po pala si Solit T. Panti O mas kilala bilang SOL, from Special Project Budget Division, Finance and Management Service, at Isang Representative – Officer ng Action Group – Montalban Chapter, isa po siyang Non Government Organization na ang layunin ang makatulong sa aming maralitang mga taga Montalbanos., kung saan dito ko po nakilala ang ating butihing Sec. Dinky Soliman, sa pamamagitan ng aming Presidente na si Ms. Vangie Serrano.Personally hindi ko po ganun kakilala si Sec Dinky, siguro sa news lang or napapanood lang, subalit ng makilala ko po siya, sobrang paghanga at naging inspirasyon namin siya sa grupo. Simula noong 2004 wala pa man siya sa DSWD ay magkakasama na po kami sa pamamagitan ng aming Organization. Allow me to read this message from my Action Group Family Montalban Chapter President. Mula noong makilala ko si Mam Dinky Juliano Soliman noong 1998 noong nasa NGO works pa siya NG Sector ng Urban Poor ang kabilang sa tinututukan NIYA mga naninirahan sa kahabaan ng Pasig River tinutulungan nila ang mga taong naninirahan dito na magkaroon ng maayos na relokasyon at mabigay ang mga benepisyo ng mga beneficiaries, hindi parin tumigil sa pagtutuk sa relokasyon hangat hindi kompleto ang Basic Services. Natatandaan ko pa noong nagging Cabinete siya ni PGMA ay nagkaroon kami ng dialogue sa Malacanang sa tulong ni Sec Dinky Soliman napagkalooban kami ng 40mil. Para sa aming basic services at pinaghatian ito ng 5 Relocation Area,  kasama ang Kasiglahan Village (KVI) na matatagpuan sa Brgy. San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal,  kung saan kami nakatira, yong nakuha naming pondo ay nilagay sa pagkonekta ng Mla Water,(5.5mil) kaya ang tinatamasa naming tubig ngayon ay sa tulong ni mam dinky, at ito lang Pandemya at bagyong Ulysses nakarating saamin si Mam Dinky nagdala ng ayudang mga pagkain galing sa mga sponsors na kilala niya. Sobrang laking tulong at pagmamahal niya sa mga mahihirap at dama naming ito pag kausap namin siya laging nakangiti lang kaya naman gumagaan ang aming pakiramdam kahit madaming problema. Tinutukan niya din na maging batas ang PPPP, kinilala ni mam Dinky ang aming Samahan Montalban Action Group. Si Mam Dinky ayaw niya ng malungkot ito lang huling habilin niya huwag ng bumili ng bulaklak, yong ibibigay para sa kanya ibigay nalang sa  SNPP o sa pamilyang biktima ng EJK.MAM DINKY HINDI HINDING PO NAMIN KAYO MAKAKALIMUTAN, MARAMING SALAMAT PO 🌻🌻🌻🌻SOLITA T. PANTISPBD-FMS   

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"Isang Magiliw, Matapat, at Mapag palang Araw sa ating lahat", yan yong palagi nating naririnig sa kanyang pambungad na pagbati. Ako po po pala si Solit T. Panti O mas kilala bilang SOL, from Special Project Budget Division, Finance and Management Service, at Isang Representative – Officer ng Action Group – Montalban Chapter, isa po siyang Non Government Organization na ang layunin ang makatulong sa aming maralitang mga taga Montalbanos., kung saan dito ko po nakilala ang ating butihing Sec. Dinky Soliman, sa pamamagitan ng aming Presidente na si Ms. Vangie Serrano.Personally hindi ko po ganun kakilala si Sec Dinky, siguro sa news lang or napapanood lang, subalit ng makilala ko po siya, sobrang paghanga at naging inspirasyon namin siya sa grupo. Simula noong 2004 wala pa man siya sa DSWD ay magkakasama na po kami sa pamamagitan ng aming Organization. Allow me to read this message from my Action Group Family Montalban Chapter President. Mula noong makilala ko si Mam Dinky Juliano Soliman noong 1998 noong nasa NGO works pa siya NG Sector ng Urban Poor ang kabilang sa tinututukan NIYA mga naninirahan sa kahabaan ng Pasig River tinutulungan nila ang mga taong naninirahan dito na magkaroon ng maayos na relokasyon at mabigay ang mga benepisyo ng mga beneficiaries, hindi parin tumigil sa pagtutuk sa relokasyon hangat hindi kompleto ang Basic Services. Natatandaan ko pa noong nagging Cabinete siya ni PGMA ay nagkaroon kami ng dialogue sa Malacanang sa tulong ni Sec Dinky Soliman napagkalooban kami ng 40mil. Para sa aming basic services at pinaghatian ito ng 5 Relocation Area,  kasama ang Kasiglahan Village (KVI) na matatagpuan sa Brgy. San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal,  kung saan kami nakatira, yong nakuha naming pondo ay nilagay sa pagkonekta ng Mla Water,(5.5mil) kaya ang tinatamasa naming tubig ngayon ay sa tulong ni mam dinky, at ito lang Pandemya at bagyong Ulysses nakarating saamin si Mam Dinky nagdala ng ayudang mga pagkain galing sa mga sponsors na kilala niya. Sobrang laking tulong at pagmamahal niya sa mga mahihirap at dama naming ito pag kausap namin siya laging nakangiti lang kaya naman gumagaan ang aming pakiramdam kahit madaming problema. Tinutukan niya din na maging batas ang PPPP, kinilala ni mam Dinky ang aming Samahan Montalban Action Group. Si Mam Dinky ayaw niya ng malungkot ito lang huling habilin niya huwag ng bumili ng bulaklak, yong ibibigay para sa kanya ibigay nalang sa  SNPP o sa pamilyang biktima ng EJK.MAM DINKY HINDI HINDING PO NAMIN KAYO MAKAKALIMUTAN, MARAMING SALAMAT PO 🌻🌻🌻🌻SOLITA T. PANTISPBD-FMS   

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For Dinky:
Thank you Lilian, Pepep, Vk and most of all Dinky for organizing this momentous event.
I first met Dinky in 1970 when she was 17. She visited Bais where I was organizing sugar workers. We were on a general strike. Despite the guns of the goons of the hacienderos and the hunger of thousands of sugar workers, there was already something about Dinky. She immediately became one of us, yet she remained pleasant and cheerful. She was already a sunflower.
My friendship with dinky spanned more than fifty years. Oftentimes working together, sometimes separately, but always walking towards the same horizon. The last time I was with her was a couple of weeks before the pandemic. It was at COM with Tessie, Alice and Luz. Dinky and I exchanged notes about our diabetes.

When I received almost simultaneously 3 text messages that fateful Sunday morning, what vividly came to mind was Dinky and I on a bus in Bukidnon. I pointed to a hill and I promised her that I would fill that hill with sunflowers. Now it is too late, I thought.

Later after seeing the so many friends that Dinky has touched, I realized that Dinky had already planted sunflowers in the hearts of so many people, both high and low. My sunflowers in that hill would be superfluous.

In our younger years, Benjy and I used to tease Dinky by calling her Pollyanna. I could not understand why Dinky did not feel insulted, not even pleasantly insulted. This morning, I went to Google and realized why not. Pollyanna was a character in a popular 1960 movie that featured child actress Hayley Mills. Pollyanna was congenitally biased towards the positive, obsessively cheerful no matter what.

Then I realized that like Pollyanna, Dinky’s cheerfully was merely a method to cover the challenges she faced as she dreamed the impossible dream and bore her unbearable sorrows. I am not sure whether her hands were ever too weary. But I am almost sure that she must have  lied peaceful and calm when she was laid to my rest.

But what I am very sure, Dinky, is that the world is better for this that you have with your last ounce of courage fought to reach the unreachable star.

Dinky, let me correct myself. With God’s blessings and your continued intercession, the star will not be unreachable.  We will reach the star.

Bimbo
September 25, 2021

This was the tribute of Bimbo Fernandez from Cebu, a long time colleague of Dinky in the CO movement

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Sen. Leila M. de Lima’s Undelivered Tribute/ Message for Sec. Dinky Soliman (23 September 2021)
To Sec. Dinky’s family and loved ones: To Hec, Dino and Marikit, my deepest condolences; to my dear colleagues in the PNoy Cabinet, friends, good evening!
This is such an incredible moment for me to be with all of you, albeit virtually; a rare moment to rekindle our special ties as one happy official family of our dear late President, thru a collective tribute to a most special colleague, Sec. Dinky.
Chair Karina. Sec. Mon J. PNoy. And now, Sec. Dinky. Palalim nang palalim ang balon ng lungkot na nararamdaman ko. Pero kahit nakailang iyak na, hindi maubos ang luha ko sa tuwing maaalala ko sila.
Alam nyo po, noong Linggo, during my usual prayer session at around 5:30 in the morning, bigla kong naisip si Sec. Dinky. I was asking, “Kumusta na kaya siya?” And I felt a strong longing to see her. I then prayed hard for her.
So I was shocked when, at past 9:00 a.m. of the same day, I got the sad, heartbreaking news. Pakiramdam ko, dumaan muna sa’kin dito sa quarters ko si Sec. Dinky before she breathed her last at around 7:32 a.m.
So typical of Sec. Dinky. Hindi makatiis na hindi magparamdam.
Sec. Dinky was always there for me.
She was there in my Senate office, filled with emotions, on the night before I turned myself in to the arresting authorities in February 2017.
Months before that, she, along with other women warriors who now comprise #EveryWoman, were up in arms against those shameless misogynists at the House who ganged up on me and besmirched my dignity.
She was there in one of the court hearings, na kasama pa nya sina Chair Karina and Sec. Ging, at kung saan ay tinarayan pa nila dun yung tumetestigo laban sa akin, na kakampi dapat o dating kakampi, pero sa hindi maintindihang dahilan, ay nagpagamit sa mga oppressors ko.
She was there—either as a prime mover or active participant—in all the milestone events organized in the past 4 years which highlight my status as a prisoner of conscience.
Her regular visits to me here at Camp Crame, usually together with Chair Karina and Sec. Ging, and other members of Tindig Pilipinas, were among my most precious moments. Those were sessions of fun, happy memories, konting tsismisan, sharing insights on burning issues, and yes, outpouring of frustrations and rage over the many unbelievable and appalling things we have been witnessing and struggling to live with since 2016.

Sec. Dinky unconditionally and wholeheartedly offered her assistance in our shared causes. She was there, giving guidance and valuable inputs to my staff when our office was crafting the 4Ps Institutionalization bill, which I was honored to champion, successfully, at the Senate. Siya ang tunay na Ina ng 4Ps, the driving force behind this landmark program and many other initiatives for the uplifting and the empowerment of the vulnerable and the marginalized.
She graciously accommodated my staff’s request to guest in one of the episodes of “ACRONYM: Work from Prison,” where for an hour, she comprehensively explained the beauty and benefits of 4Ps.
I was told that it was one of the most watched episodes of said online program.
Pambihira talaga ang tulad ni Sec. Dinky. Ibang kumalinga at sumuporta.
Kung gaano siya kasipag magtrabaho, ganoon din karami ang energy niya para magpasaya at mang-aliw sa mga kaibigan at katrabaho – yung mga kantahan at sayawan natin noon sa mga gatherings with PNoy. I certainly miss those moments with our dear PNoy.
So, tonight, I honor and thank Sec. Dinky with all my heart, and love.
With all of you here, I give my last respects to an indefatigable freedom fighter and champion of social justice and social development, a staunch ally and defender, an extraordinary woman and a great friend.
With a grieving heart, I bid goodbye to our Big and Little Sister in the Cabinet. Little in sheer physical size, yet big, nay, a giantess in her convictions, her zeal for life and selfless service, and her outstanding achievements.
Paalam, Sec. Dinky, at maraming maraming salamat. ###
(Note: The above were just some of the thoughts Sen. De Lima wanted to share in the Sept. 23 memorial service hosted by the PNoy Cabinet members. She intended to articulate more her feelings and tribute for Sec. Dinky, if only she was allowed to speak.)

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https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2021/09/26/2129686/may-million-sunflowers-hope-and-goodness-bloom/amp/

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Cesar Purisima - The Philippine Star

My relationship with Dinky spanned over a quarter century under different capacities. First, as my client, second, as my colleague in the Arroyo Cabinet, and then third as fellow comrades in civil society advocating for transparency and accountability in government. Fourth, as volunteers for the presidential campaign of Mar Roxas and later on, for the Aquino-Roxas ticket. Then finally, as colleagues again in the PNoy administration. Over the years, through the dogfights and in the trenches, we shared and developed a friendship based on deep trust and respect for each other.

In the mid-90s, SGV was hired by Canada International Development Agency (CIDA) to audit its grantee, the Philippine Canada Human Resources Development Program (PCHRD). I met the three headstrong leaders of PCHRD: Dinky Soliman, Dina Abad, and Karina David. All three ladies were very accommodating and professional but I found Dinky the least intimidating not because of her physical stature, but because she immediately exuded a more naturally nurturing warmth to everyone she spoke and dealt with, including myself. SGV audited several hundred sub-projects and found PCHRD to be not just professionally run but more importantly, filled with passion and purpose.

The next time we reconnected was when I was appointed to the GMA Cabinet as secretary of trade in late 2003. She reached out immediately and discussed how our departments can collaborate to help a wide swath of our fellow Filipinos who remain marginalized and underprivileged. We identified the creative economy - using people's inherent skills as their capital - as a low hanging opportunity. We also talked about the "big brother program," where large corporations adopt aspiring entrepreneurs and micro enterprises into their supply chain to ensure they become sustainably integrated into the revenue cycle.

When I moved to the Department of Finance in early 2005, she was one of the first Cabinet secretaries who contacted me to discuss how we can continue funding her DSWD initiatives, including the Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). At this time, she was already exploring how the Philippines can fund a program similar to Mexico's Opportunidades, which Mexico launched in 2002, and Bolsa Familia, which Brazil President Lula launched in 2003. She was always looking for ways to help her constituency, the poor and underprivileged - 24/7 and without rest.

Through the turbulence of serving in the public sphere, we stood together as friends and kindred spirits, bound by our conviction that integrity and credibility are key to winning and keeping the trust and confidence of our people. Dinky believed that public servants should always put country over self, many over the few. In her words, "magiliw at tapat na paglilingkod."

After returning to the private sector, we worked closely to set up InCiteGov to continue our advocacy for better governance in the country at all levels.

Our paths crossed again when we volunteered to support the presidential run of Mar Roxas and ultimately, of PNoy in 2010. Dinky, working with civil society, led the non-traditional part of the campaign. Dinky used her extensive network and social capital in civil society to mobilize support for Daang Matuwid. Dinky had limitless energy and was omnipresent in meetings and campaign rallies.

Upon Dinky's return to DSWD in 2010, CCT was at the top of her mind since she helped germinate the idea and supported it as a private citizen. She and PNoy were convinced that the program not only had to be continued but had to be expanded. By the end of Dinky's tenure, it covered almost 5 million beneficiary families from the 800,000 in 2010, with plans to increase it further to 7 million. This gave millions of next generation Filipinos a fighting chance to break the vicious cycle of poverty and have a hope for a brighter future. This expansion of the 4P's program alone should seal Dinky's legacy of truly caring for the #poor and #underprivileged.

But her body of work was much more than 4Ps or KALAHI-CIDDS or the laws she championed such as the Magna Carta of Social Workers, Magna Carta for Women and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, or her initiatives in improving disaster response such as the pre-positioning of relief goods, standby funds and the setting up of the National Resource Operations Center. Beyond these, Dinky inspired her co-workers and comforted the victims with her constant presence and warmth, in her signature red chaleco, in all the calamities that beset our country.

In PNoy's last State of the Nation Address (SONA), he paid tribute to Dinky's work ethic by referring to her as his secretary-on-call, 25 hours a day and 8 days a week. And this was no exaggeration. I saw this first-hand when PNoy assigned me to handle logistics for the Typhoon Yolanda relief operations. I remember being at the Port of Manila at 2 a.m. with an urgent issue to resolve. So I took a chance at calling Dinky. Thinking I woke her up, I apologized but she cut me mid-sentence to tell me that she was at the Relief Operations Headquarters. That was Dinky. She had no concept of overtime or weekends or holidays. She had no concept of self because she lived her life to help others.

Dinky, you were one of a kind. Your time on earth was not enough compared to the amount of good you could still have done and wanted to do. Despite this, you helped, touched and gave hope to millions of people, especially those who needed society's help the most, many of whom are mourning right now. They are too numerous to name because you were tireless in helping them - typhoon and calamity victims, informal settlers, orphans, victims of human trafficking and of human rights violations. Wherever social injustice can be found, your small physique was always a towering presence filling the void. Your voice was a source of hope.

Dinky, I wished I hugged you the last time I saw you at PNoy's wake - but that would have violated social distancing protocols. We sat together sharing our heartache on the passing of PNoy and wondered why the good people have to die young. Now, I hope God has filled up his quota of good people, because there was so, so much good taken away from the world with your passing.

But with the good that was taken away, we are comforted by the knowledge that Dinky, you have left a lasting legacy of caring, solidarity and compassion for the people - as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, untiring #communityworker, the epitome of a selfless, honest, competent, fearless #publicservant, courageous advocate for #socialjustice and reliable #leader of #civilsociety; an empathetic friend and just simply an amazing human being. I hope your exemplary legacy will inspire many more Dinkys to sprout from the ground, like a million young sunflowers facing the sun, towards hope and towards goodness.

We will never forget your hair streak to remind ourselves of the need to continue fighting for change, for more transparency and more accountability in government. Sunflower Bliss, Dinky!

* * *

Cesar Purisima served as secretary of finance in 2005 and again from 2010 to 2016. He is the Asia Fellow of the Milken Institute.

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May a million sunflowers of hope and goodness bloom

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Cesar Purisima - The Philippine Star My relationship with Dinky spanned over a quarter century under different capacities. First, as my client, second, as my colleague in the Arroyo Cabinet, and then third as fellow comrades in civil society advocating for transparency and accountability in government.

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In 2014, Bon and Ma’am Dinky Corazon represented the Philippines at the Open Government Partnership Awards to receive a gold award for the BUB.

This September, they both left us with amazing legacies. They left us as better versions of ourselves. We will truly miss you both - your leadership, your big hearts, your hearty laughs… everything.

———

The Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (formerly Bottom-Up Budgeting) received a gold award (3rd place) in the first Open Government Partnership Awards.

Sec Dinky Soliman received the award in behalf of the Philippine Government. President Obama, President Hollande, and President Nieto were in attendance.

September 24,2014
New York City

#CelebratingBon
#SunflowerWishesDinky

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Nakakalungkot po na hindi kayo nakalampas sa huli ninyong pagsubok. Marahil ay hindi na po makahintay ang Panginoon na makasama kayo sa Langit. You have been a faithful daughter of God. He is happy with all the good things you have done. We will remember you forever. Nakikiramay po ako sa pamilya ni Ma'am Dinky at sa lahat ng kababaihan na nakasama niya sa paglaban para sa demokrasya.

Catherine Vistro-Yu
TOWNS

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Dear Dinky, after ToT Training on the Community Driven Development approach, my son and I had a chance to host you to visit the Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I will miss you. 

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Dear Dinky, after ToT Training on the Community Driven Development approach, my son and I had a chance to host you to visit the Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I will miss you. 

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Thank you Sec Dinky..

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I miss you, Sec Dinky.

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As many of you know, Dinky took on many hats in her lifetime. From the academe, the NGO community, the government, she crossed over between these different spheres several times over. And I count myself most fortunate for having crossed paths and worked closely with Dinky at various stages of that journey.

She was my professor in my senior year in college in 1988. Mikko, my husband and I were in her community organizing (CO) class as Development Studies majors in the Ateneo. She and Roland Modina tag teamed for this class. As you can imagine, the two led an engaging and inspiring class, in a way only they could, and shared so much about their lives and work as seasoned COs.

But I eventually saw Dinky in action, as an organizer and coalition builder, when i joined the (CPAR) Secretariat and Dinky became my first ever boss. I saw her bring people with disparate views --- peasant leaders belonging to the full range of the political spectrum --- together time and again to argue it out at the meeting table, have everyone's different opinions heard and acknowledged, but eventually come to an understanding on common positions that could further the goals of agrarian reform. It was an art form, the way Dinky could facilitate a thorny discussion - whether in a small meeting or a packed gymnasium - and enable people to listen to each other so that they could unite together on shared goals.

It was at this time that i also joined the group, Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas. Dinky was not a member of the group, but we all considered her an honorary member and a mentor. Probably to the frustration of our political officers and other kahanay, we took our role as coalition-builders quite seriously and that may have been construed at times as being disloyal or not all that strategic. But Dinky's modelling had shaped our thinking: that uniting behind agrarian reform and promoting the interests of all farmers, fisherfolk, and rural women were the real agenda that we were upholding. In time, politics got in the way of coalition-building, and we all went our separate ways.

But we continued to keep in touch, and Dinky and i would continue to collaborate on many projects. Whenever she needed a writer, or someone to assist in a session, she would call me and i would happily oblige.

It was also during this time that a number of us got married. Siyempre, lahat kami, ninang si Dinky sa kasal. Mikko and I had no doubt in our minds when we decided to get married that we would ask Dinky to be our ninang. We had seen enough of the way she and Hec were as a couple - always loving, caring, respectful;  always operating as genuine partners in parenting - to know that we could model our own marriage in many ways after theirs.

As newly weds, we moved momentarily to the US so Mikko could attend business school in 1998. When we arrived there, there was a care package from Dinky and Hec - a huge purple Rubbermaid box with all their hand me down pots, pans, plates, utensils from their own stint in Boston. Everything we needed to start off was there...thanks to Dinky and Hec's caring thoughtfulness. I babysat for Dino and Kit, when one summer Dinky and Hec returned to Boston for a Kennedy school reunion. (This was training eventually put to good use with my own two kids.)

Fast forward to Dinky’s first tour in DSWD, i would join her team briefly as her speechwriter. But i became more involved as her Head Executive Assistant (HEA) during her second term as DSWD Secretary. I was her HEA for 3 of those 6 years. Working with Dinky in government was a whole new ballgame: with the shift in roles came tremendous responsibility as the DSWD portfolio came with a host of programs not the least of which were the Pantawid and Kalahi-CIDSS program. I came to know Dinky as an extremely exacting boss during that time. Complete staff work before any meeting or event was required. Precise timetables were followed. We were on standby 24/7 and slept next to our phones. None of us flinched when meetings were called on a Sunday. Paano pa kaya kung may bagyo, lindol o ibang kalamidad. But if she expected her EAs to work hard, it was because she worked even harder. She took radio interviews at 5am. She gave up weekends with the family so she could travel and arrive at a venue early. She often worked late into the night, as we her roommates on trips knew very well. Prince, her appointments secretary, had instructions to allocate slots on her calendar for "Private time". Of course, Private Time would soon give way to just one and then another meeting that urgently needed to happen. It was indeed a stressful time for her, and by extension, for the rest of us around her.

But it was always clear to all of us that Dinky felt the enormity of her responsibility as Secretary, and that was what drove her. People's lives were at stake. People were suffering. And given the resources available to her in government, it would be unforgiveable not to step up when things needed doing.

Of course, if Dinky was a warm and welcoming presence in any group, she was equally nurturing and thoughtful to those of us who worked closely with her. Lunchtime was when she gathered her team to decompress and catch up. Updated siya sa mga love life ng mga EAs. Unang-una siyang mag LIKE at comment, sa Instagram or sa Facebook. Kahit yung mga post na walang katuturan. She was that supportive.

Kung pagbibigyan natin lahat ng mga samahan at mga organisasyon na gustong mag-sponsor ng Misa, magbigay-pugay at magpakita ng pagmamahal kay Dinky, aabutin tayo ng 40th day. In the past week, I've seen the outpouring of love from all her EAS, former staff, colleagues and companions in the struggle. Merong naghahandle ng calendar, comms team, tech team, merong nag-oorganisa ng Misa, bumubo ng program, nagre-record ng kanta, nagsusulat ng eulogy, maraming nangungulit at nagfa-follow up. There is a whole Dinky army that has been hard at work over the past week. All of this is testament to how much people have felt loved, heard, and understood by Dinky. This is proof of how many lives Dinky has touched, and how much people loved her in turn. I hope that Hec, Dino, Kit and the rest of the family will take great comfort in that knowledge.

Most recently, i was again able to work with Dinky on INCITEGov’s project on Generative Conversations, a project premised on the importance of dialogue and authentic listening between and within groups as a means of propelling them forward in the midst of all this divisiveness. The last time i saw Dinky was at a Futures Thinking workshop. In true Dinky fashion, she was still recovering from COVID but gave the opening remarks and actively participated in the discussion for as long as she could.

It was clear to all of us that Dinky was intent on giving her all for as long as she could because she felt that there was still so much more that needed to be done.  But Dinks, we know you're listening, please rest assured that the work will get done. After all, you have a whole Dinky army, touched and inspired by you over the years, who are ready, willing, and able to get the job done.

love you, Dinks! I already miss you so very much.

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Sec Dinky would be so happy and proud while listening to the DSWD choir rendering a song during a Department's activity. One time, through her facination, she applauded in the middle of the crowd after the invocation. That was heartfelt. Thanks for appreciating Mam. We truly miss you. God bless you and keep you.

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Salamat Sec. Dinky for touching our lives.  ----Tere Cleofe

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Salamat Sec. Dinky for touching our lives.  ----Tere Cleofe

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SALAMAT Sec. Dinky,  Paumanhin di ko agad ito naibigay, kahit 28 June 2016 ko pa naisulat, para sa iyong mahusay, matagumpay at matapat na paglilingkod sa bayan

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Your smile were like rays of sunshine. Walang kapaguran at tunay na may malasakit at tapat sa paglilingkod. So long Sec Dinky.

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Life is so short for you Ma'am Dinky Soliman but the memories and best legacies you left behind will always remain in our hearts as long as we live. You are a perfect example of a good public servant, a respectable leader a boss and a friend to all of us. Working with you Mam was one of the best experience I had. Thank you so much for your untiring support and love you have given to all DSWD employees in all the years that we have work together. Knowing you and the chance to have work with you is such a privilege and I will surely treasure it for the rest of my life.... Ma’am Sec Dinky “THANK YOU” for everything you've done to DSWD office. We will surely miss you!!!

WILLIAM M. LEE

DSWD / PMB-CID

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I first met Dinky in the early 1970s, when as a young social scientist at the Ateneo, I was approached by ACES, a group of community organizers made up of bright feisty new graduates of the University of the Philippines led by Dinky. They wanted to talk to me about incorporating an evaluation research component into a project that they were working on. This was a requirement of the funder and they were not completely sold on it.  It was my task to convince them that not only would a research component not harm the project, but it might actually be helpful. And theyin turn felt it their duty to ensure that this academic was clear that the research wassecondary to the main project goals and thatstandard textbook research methodology might not be the best approach. I assured them that the tail would definitely not wag the dog and that the research would be as participatory as possible.

Apparently we were able to work things out because a couple of years later, when I was organizing a women’s program for UNICEF in the Asia Pacific Region and the Philippine project needed a group to work with community women in Kibawe, Bukidnon, it was a no brainer. We asked ACES and Dinky.

Our paths crossed quite often over the many many years since then--- on development projects, at meetings, and even at rallies, and in all settings, Dinky was a bright star. At any meeting where Dinky was present, whether aschair or facilitator or simply as participant, you could be sure that there would be someone who would ask the tough question, point out the missing element in the discussion, raise the constructive point, synthesize disparate ideas, and lead the group to a reasonable conclusion. It was always reassuring to have Dinky at meetings.

Dinky was a master facilitator, always skillfully combining a focus on the task with a strongpeople orientation, managing both content and process. She had strong views but communicated a genuine respect for other viewpoints. She projected a seriousness of purpose combined with a playfulness reflected in her bright outfits (and in later years, bright hair color), her infectious smile, her laughter. In any situation she was a small woman with a large presence.

Everyone who has worked with Dinky knows that she worked very hard but we also know that she played hard as well. Temperamentally I am an introvert and rather reserved and I would marvel at Dinky at Cabinet socials. At informal gatherings at the clubhouse at the PSG compound, as the evening livened up and I began planning my quick escape, Dinky was the life of the party. Indeed much like the bright sunflowers she so loved!

In government, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are not the most likely partners. But our agencies did work together on a special program. The Student Grants-in-aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA) which was specially designed for the poorest of the poor is high up on my list of CHED initiatives that I am proudest of. It enabled at least one college age member of over 40,000Conditional Cash Transfer families, to enroll in identified leading state universities and colleges (SUCs), the first in their families to go to college.The grant holistically covered not simply tuition and fees but all the schooling needs of the students and even livelihood assistance to their families. I remember fondly Dinky and I beingtogether at the launch of the program at West Visayas State University in Iloilo, which had one of the largest intakes of SGP-PA grantees. This is not the time to say more about the program, but I will say and, I am sure Dinky would agree, that a program that systematically and effectively targets the poorest students is a better education access strategy.

I join my colleagues in the PNoy cabinet as we gratefully and lovingly bid goodbye and Godspeed to our beloved Dinky, at this time whenwe face this most difficult period in our nation’s history and when she would normally be part of leading the charge against the formidable forces we face. Dear Dinky, please organize our friends up there and be with us as we confront the challenges ahead. Watch over us and watch over this country which you have loved and served so well. Bye Dinks. See ya!

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Such an Honor to Serve the Public with you po, Secretary Dinky🌻🌻🌻

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Such an Honor to Serve the Public with you po, Secretary Dinky🌻🌻🌻

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Rest in Peace, Secretary Dinky 🙏 Sending prayers and love to the family. Such an honor to serve the public with you po. God bless

Bev Pascual-Samala and Family 🌻
Procurement Service: 1 October 2012 to 22 April 2013
Sustainable Livelihood Program: 24 April 2014 to 30 September 2021

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When my husband died, Sec Dinky and Sir Hec were among the first to reach out. Ma'am sent me many things (and so I knew that she was worried, knowing how much Joy meant to me). She sent me lots of stuff -- a book by Michelle Obama, food, etc. That picture is the card accompanying one batch of such gifts. As you can see, everything --  from the card to the contents of the box was carefully chosen. Because that was how she was -- she gave from the heart. Always.

I couldn't bear to look at photo albums since my husband died (just months ago). But for Ma'am Dinky, I did it because she and I have very few pictures together (lagi subsob sa trabaho). I cried when I saw in my 2004 wedding photos how she gazed at Joy and me with so much happiness. She was our "Ninang" (wedding sponsor). She and Sir Hec were my husband's  friends before mine, but I remember how she was always there for us in all our milestones -- our wedding, when I gave birth, when our son was baptized, etc. The picture of us with OSEC staff was a classic. Hindi pa uso ang mga wacky shots noon ay wacky na kami. Malamang ay pakana ni Ma'am Dinky din yan. She was always fun.

Hayyyy... salamat, Ma'am. Kung magkikita kayo ni Joy, please hug him for me.

- Chona Casis

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Sec. Dinky's Message to all DSWD Employees in 2016

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Paalam....Sec. Dinky.  Sunflower wishes.

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Paalam....Sec. Dinky.  Sunflower wishes.

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Sec. Dinky's Message to all DSWD Employees on 2016

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Dinky was a mentor, a veteran community organiser, a facilitator who can bring diverse groups to unite and a coalition builder.  I was privileged to witness this when I was in People's Force, PHILSSA, the Urban Poor Forum  and the CODE-NGO's successor generation program.    Dinky in action exuded hope, positive energy and light amidst the challenges of social reforms.  She was our sunflower.  She will surely be missed.  But she will live in us, as we continue to push for a just and better future for all, especially the poor and marginalised.  Maraming Salamat Ninang Dinky.  Rest now in our Eternal Home. (From Annie de Leon-Yuson)

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Dinky was a mentor, a veteran community organiser, a facilitator who can bring diverse groups to unite and a coalition builder.  I was privileged to witness this when I was in People's Force, PHILSSA, the Urban Poor Forum  and the CODE-NGO's successor generation program.    Dinky in action exuded hope, positive energy and light amidst the challenges of social reforms.  She was our sunflower.  She will surely be missed.  But she will live in us, as we continue to push for a just and better future for all, especially the poor and marginalised.  Maraming Salamat Ninang Dinky.  Rest now in our Eternal Home. (From Annie de Leon-Yuson)

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Innovation for Change-East Asia “Renew, Reclaim, Resist” Hong Kong, 2018–with activists from all over SE and NE Asia

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‘DINKY’ Corazon Juliano-Soliman  meant many things to many people. Known as a pioneer community organizer, she also led many ground breaking initiatives in the Philippine NGO community and in coalition building amongst social movements. On the Asia regional arena, she was my Chair at the Southeast Asian Committee for Advocacy (SEACA), and supported our engagement with the ASEAN through the ACSC/APF process, even when she had joined the Aquino government. After she left government, Dinky continued to work with democracy and social movement activists at Asia Democracy Network in 2017 in whose Steering Committee I served, and she likewise facilitated Innovation for Change - East Asia’s “Renew, Reclaim, Resist” retreat in Hong Kong in 2018, bringing together East Asian activists for a reflection retreat on civic space.

Your passing is a great loss to all of us. It was a real privilege to have worked with and learnt from you through the years. Rest in God’s loving embrace, Dinky. 🌻🌻🌻 Maraming, maraming salamat!  Deepest condolences to Hector Soliman, Dino, Kit and their families.

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Back in 1998 or 1999, I was working for the. UN when I first met Dinky, she had just returned from her studies in the US and was a facilitator for our strategic planning workshop. A few years later I met her again in the UK, this must have been around 2005 after she and "Hyatt 10" left the Arroyo administration, she was on a break and we took walks around East Sussex, where I was then working. She would come periodically to Cambodia on consulting work assignments for the World Bank, and we'd get together with other pinoys in Phnom Penh to share updates on the Philippine political situation; we'd always look forward to those trips of hers, where we'd sit in a circle, in a very free wheeling conversation that had a "ringside" feel to it. After she joined the Pnoy team, there were fewer trips, but she came n 2013 for an ASEAN meeting. and we had dinner with several other friends. We also had an informal "Cambodia" messenger group,--I think she was in many other little circles, so we were often in touch, until the last couple of months when she shared about health issues, and that she had finally decided to go on dialysis. She was realistic and accepting of it. Compassionate, pro-poor in the best sense, energetic and a woman of courage and integrity. Whenever I snapped a shot of sunflowers I'd tag her on Facebook. I will miss her and every time I see a sunflower I cannot but help and think of Dinky. Vic Salas

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"If corruption is a network, then the integrity that will fight corruption must also be a network."

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"If corruption is a network, then the integrity that will fight corruption must also be a network."

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Sec Dinky,

Naalala ko ho dati noong tinulungan niyo kami sa Bagumbayani Initiative na gawing mas bukas ang recruitment sa gobyerno. Para kahit ang mga taong walang "backer sa loob" ay magkaroon ng pagkakataong maglingkod.

Maraming nag-apply at tumugon sa tawag na maglingkod sa pamahalaan dahil alam naming may mga mahuhusay at mabubuting taong tulad mo na handang lumaban para sa mamamayan.

Bukal po kayo ng inspirasyon mula pa noong bata pa ako. Bukal din po kayo ng galak.

Durog ang puso ko ngayong umaga sa balitang pumanaw na kayo. Mag-aattend po sana ako mamayang gabi ng healing mass ninyo.

Pero Sec Dinky, salamat po sa inyong paglilingkod. Ipagpapatuloy ho namin ang sinimulan ninyong laban.

Dios mabalos po. 🌻🌻🌻

#SunflowerWishesDinky
Ken Abante

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May a million Sunflowers of Hope and Goodness Bloom

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May a million Sunflowers of Hope and Goodness Bloom

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My relationship with Dinky spanned over a quarter century under different capacities.
First, as my client, second, as my colleague in the Arroyo Cabinet, and third, as my comrade in H10 and as co-incorporators of InciteGov. Fourth, as volunteers for the presidential campaign of Mar Roxas and later on, for the Aquino-Roxas ticket. Then finally, as colleagues again in the PNoy administration. Over the years, through the dogfights and in the trenches, we shared and developed a friendship based on deep trust and respect for each other.
In the mid-90s, SGV was hired by Canada International Development Agency (CIDA) to audit its grantee, the Philippine Canada Human Resources Development Program (PCHRD). I met the 3 headstrong leaders of PCHRD: Dinky Soliman, Dina Abad, and Karina David. All 3 ladies were very accommodating and professional but I found Dinky the least intimidating not because of her physical stature but because she immediately exuded a more naturally nurturing warmth to everyone she spoke and dealt with, including myself. SGV audited several hundred sub-projects and found PCHRD to be not just professionally run but more importantly, filled with passion and purpose.
The next time we reconnected was when I was appointed to the GMA cabinet as Secretary of Trade in late 2003. She reached out immediately and discussed how our departments can collaborate to help a wide swath of our fellow Filipinos who remain marginalized and underprivileged. We identified the creative economy (using people’s inherent skills as their capital) as a low hanging opportunity. We also talked about the “big brother program,” where large corporations adopt aspiring entrepreneurs and micro enterprises into their supply chain to ensure they become sustainably integrated into the revenue cycle.
When I moved to the Department of Finance in early 2005, she was one of the first cabinet secretaries who contacted me to discuss how we can continue funding her DSWD initiatives including the Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). At this time, she was already exploring how the Philippines can fund a program similar to Mexico’s Opportunidades, which Mexico launched in 2002 and Bolsa Familia, which Brazil President Lula launched in 2003. She was always looking for ways to help her constituency, the poor and underprivileged – 24/7 and without rest.
When the Hello Garcí Scandal hit the GMA administration, we stood together in asking
GMA to prioritize the country over political interests by stepping down. Quoting our statement entitled, “Of Leadership And Credibility,” we said “we are not making judgments on the the tape and jueteng issues. At the core of these concerns are the issues of leadership and credibility – the ability of our President to continue to lead and govern our country with the trust and confidence of our people.” Dinky believed that public servants should always put country over self and not hang on to the detriment of the country. In
her words, “magiliw at tapat na paglilingkod.”

We worked closely after our resignation and set up InCiteGov to continue our advocacy for better governance in the country at all levels. This led us to support the Presidential run of Mar Roxas and ultimately, PNoy in 2010. Dinky, working with civil society, led the non-traditional part of the campaign. Dinky used her extensive network and social capital in civil society to mobilize support for Daang Matuwid. Dinky had limitless energy and was omnipresent in meetings and campaign rallies.
Upon Dinky’s return to DSWD in 2010, CCT was at the top of her mind since she helped germinate the idea and supported it as a private citizen. She and PNoy were convinced
that the program not only had to be continued but had to be expanded. By the end of Dinky’s tenure, it covered almost 5 million beneficiary families from the 800,000 in 2010 with plans to increase it further to 7 million. This gave millions of next generation Filipinos a fighting chance to break the vicious cycle of poverty, and have a hope for a brighter future. This expansion of the 4P’s program alone should seal Dinky’s legacy of truly caring for the #poor and #underprivileged.
But her body of work was much more than 4Ps or KALAHI-CIDDS or the laws she championed such as the Magna Carta of Social Workers, Magna Carta for Women and Anti-trafficking in Persons Act, or her initiatives in improving disaster response such as the pre-positioning of relief goods, standby funds, and the setting up of the National Resource Operations Center. Beyond these, Dinky inspired her co-workers and comforted the victims with her constant presence and warmth, in her signature red chaleco, in all the calamities that beset our country.
In PNoy’s last State of the Nation Address (SONA), he paid tribute to Dinky’s work ethic by referring to her as his secretary-on-call, 25 hours a day and 8 days a week. And this
was no exaggeration. I saw this first-hand when PNoy assigned me to handle logistics for the Typhoon Yolanda relief operations. I remember being at the port of Manila at 2am with an urgent issue to resolve. So I took a chance of calling Dinky and thinking I woke her up, I apologized and she cut me mid sentence to tell me that she was at the Relief Operations headquarters. That was Dinky. She had no concept of overtime or weekends or holidays. She had no concept of self because she lived her life to help others.
Dinky, you were one of a kind. Your time on earth was not enough compared to the amount of good you could still have done and wanted to do. Despite this, you helped, touched and gave hope to millions of people, especially those who needed society’s help the most, many of whom are mourning right now. They are too numerous to name
because you were tireless in helping them – typhoon and calamity victims, informal settlers, orphans, victims of human trafficking and of human rights violations. Wherever social injustice can be found, your small physique was always a towering presence filling the void. Your voice was a source of hope.
Dinky, I wished I hugged you the last time I saw you at PNoy’s wake – but that would
have violated social distancing protocols. We sat together sharing our heartache on the passing of PNoy and wondered why the good people have to die young. Now, I hope God

has filled up his quota of good people, because there was so, so much good taken away from the world with your passing.
But with the good that was taken away, we are comforted by the knowledge that Dinky, you have left a lasting legacy of caring, solidarity, and compassion for the people – as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, untiring #communityworker, the epitome of a selfless, honest, competent, fearless #publicservant, courageous advocate for #socialjustice and reliable #leader of #civilsociety ; an empathetic friend, and just simply an amazing human being. I hope your exemplary legacy will inspire many more Dinkys
to sprout from the ground, like a million young sunflowers facing the sun, towards hope and towards goodness.
We will never forget your hair streak to remind ourselves of the need to continue fighting for change, for more transparency and more accountability in government.

Condolences Hector, Dino and Kit and rest of the beloved family of Dinky.

Sunflower Bliss, Dinky!

Cesar Purisima

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Politikos pay tribute to Dinky Soliman: Thank you for your selfless service
These politikos paid touching tributes to Soliman and thanked her for her service to the nation. Visit our website: https://politics.com.ph/ https://politics.com.ph/category/snitch-network/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGdh0ZO9toJXtT3nRq4dog https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5boR3dt3InByC6d5CENIcw Like us on FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/politics.com.ph Follow us on TWITTER https://twitter.com/Politiko_Ph Follow us on INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/politiko_ph/
Posted by Politiko on Monday, September 20, 2021

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Arkadaşlarınla, akrabalarınla ve tanıdıklarınla paylaşımda bulunmaya ve bağlantı kurmaya başlamak için Facebook'a giriş yap.

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Tribute to Corazon “Dinky” Soliman
Hearfelt applause for a life well lived and a job well-done! Bayanihan Musikahan pays tribute to our beloved Corazon "Dinky" Soliman with Bayang Barrios, Mike Villegas, Noel Cabangon, Jim Paredes, Celeste Legaspi, Regine and Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, and Ms. Lea Salonga.
Posted by Bayanihan Musikahan on Tuesday, September 21, 2021

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Former Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Victoria "Dinky" Nerves Juliano-Soliman has passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19. She was 68 years old.

Soliman, a longtime social worker, first headed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the administration of ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but resigned in view of the "Hello, Garci" scandal in .

She then returned as the of the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. She also served as the head of the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet cluster.

Following Soliman's passing, Vice President Leni Robredo described the ex-DSWD chief as her "lifesaver." She recalled how they became close after Dinky helped her after her husband Jesse Robredo's untimely death in 2012.

Robredo also recounted how Soliman, who was supposed to be on a vacation with her family in Batangas, "kept us company" and relayed information about the search of her husband's remains.

"Sec Dinky made sure that I ate and slept during those harrowing days. While I slept on our bed, she would be on the couch just beside me, making sure she was there when I wake up," she added.

According to Robredo, Soliman was the "first person outside the family" who knew her decision to run as Camarines Sur's 3rd district representative and Vice President.

Former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda praised Soliman for being DSWD's "indefatigable" Secretary.

Dinky was our indefatigable DSWD Secretary. In any calamity, she was there. She ensured the poorest were not left behind thru the CCT program.

She was the smallest member of our Cabinet but the biggest heart among us.

Salamat Dinky! Rest now in your little patch of sunflowers.
- Edwin Lacierda (@dawende) September 19, 2021

"In any calamity, she was there. She ensured the poorest were not left behind thru the CCT program. She was the smallest member of our Cabinet but the biggest heart among us," he added.

For former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Soliman "helped, touched, and gave hope to millions of people."

Purisima also recalled Soliman's service to the government when the conditional cash transfer program called or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program was initiated under the Aquino administration.

In a separate Facebook post, Purisima alluded to sunflowers as he said goodbye to Soliman.

Former Communications Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III described Soliman's passing as the "end" of a "chapter in a Civil Society now gone."

She left nothing materially but so much in the respectful affection of all who worked, dreamed and fought with her. Her passing ends a chapter in a Civil Society now gone: where the crossover from working in parallel to, to working not just with but in, government was tried. RIP pic.twitter.com/Uq4W1dBNzz
- Manuel L. Quezon III (@mlq3) September 19, 2021

"Where the crossover from working in parallel to, to working not just with but in, (the) government was tried," Quezon added.

Prior to Soliman's work in public service, she worked as an activist and civil society worker for non-governmental organizations.
Banner and thumbnail photos from Leni Gerona Robredo's Facebook account and screengrab from @dawende's Twitter account

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'Her passing ends a chapter in a Civil Society': Friends, allies mourn death of ex-DSWD chief Dinky Soliman

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Former Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Victoria "Dinky" Nerves Juliano-Soliman has passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19. She was 68 years old. Soliman, a longtime social worker, first headed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the administration of ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but resigned in view of the "Hello, Garci" scandal in .

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The country is mourning the death of former Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Juliano Soliman last September 19, and sadly, it is only in death that the country gets to hear of the virtues of this Filipino public servant and civil society leader.

This Cabinet member of the PNoy administration lived a quiet, simple life. "Walang pagod. Walang ninakaw. Nakatira pa rin sa maliit na bahay sa UP. (Did not tire working. Did not steal. Lived in a small house at UP village)," posted broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas in Facebook.

"She has had diabetes for many many years and many complications this year.... Had been in ICU for about 5 days already. We lost a really good public servant who did so much good for the poor and underprivileged and just like many in PNoy's Cabinet did not steal money.... No expensive European cars, just a simple home at UP village. Proud to have worked with her on so many projects for the underprivileged"-the comment of former Cabinet secretary Rene Almendras which was posted by Louie Heredia in Facebook.

Columnist Manolo Quezon wrote an obituary on his FB page: "Her passing ends a chapter in Civil Society now gone: where the crossover from working in parallel to, to working not just with but in, government was tried."

Soliman belonged to a group of civil society leaders who called out corruption in government, and tried to make a difference in the country even given her modest circumstances-her unselfish commitment is becoming a rarity in a time of untrammeled greed.

It was Vice President Leni Robredo in her FB post that gave a personal glimpse into Dinky's life, since Dinky was a good friend of her late husband, Jesse Robredo, who served in the Aquino Cabinet with Dinky.

She wrote, "Sec Dinky was Jesse's friend first before she became ours (my girls' and mine). They were together in PNoy's Cabinet, shared many advocacies, and were together responding to one calamity after another. Sec Dinky was one of Jesse's most admired public officials. Matino at mahusay, he would always say....

"It was not until the plane crash that we got to know her really well. The story was, when PNoy first learned of the crash, he wanted a member of his official family to be with us. But no one knew me personally because I have never joined Jesse in any of the Malacanang activities. Sec Dinky was then in Batangas for the long weekend, spending precious time with the family, because of her husband, Hector, who was then working in Bangladesh, was home for a quick break. Despite this, and without even knowing us, she volunteered. She was on the next available plane to Naga and kept us company during the entire search operations.

"Sec Dinky made sure that I ate and slept during those harrowing days. While I slept on our bed, she would be on the couch just beside me, making sure she was there when I woke up. PNoy, Sec Mar (Roxas), Sec Volts (Gazmin), Sen. Leila (de Lima) would call her to update her on everything that's happening, and she would be the one to relay information to us. She was our lifesaver, in every sense of the word.

"She was the first person outside the family who knew of my decision to run for Congress, then the Vice Presidency.

"Sec Dinky was pure of heart, humble and compassionate...."

Read more:
'Iba si Sir'-PNoy staff gives the real score How PNoy pushed and inspired his young staff

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Dinky Soliman: 'Walang ninakaw. Nakatira pa rin sa maliit na bahay' - The Diarist.ph

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The country is mourning the death of former Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Juliano Soliman last September 19, and sadly, it is only in death that the country gets to hear of the virtues of this Filipino public servant and civil society leader. This Cabinet member of the PNoy administration lived a quiet, simple life.

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The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) Foundation joins the nation in conveying our sincerest appreciation to an outstanding public servant and leader - Corazon "Dinky" Juliano Soliman, 1992 TOWNS Awardee for Social Development. Farewell, our fellow TOWNS sister Dinky. Rest in Eternal Peace and Happiness. #townsfoundation #townsshines

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What made Dinky Soliman and the rest of us cry?  Will says, "Who would not? Hearts aren't wood." Rock says, "She has always been in tears, having to confront death and sufferings. Naitatago lang pero hindi siya nakailag dito." Lila says, "She's a real work horse. Every disaster she's the first to arrive and the last to leave. Sometimes she barely sleeps." Buds says, "Nagtratrabaho na nga may mga naninira pa sa kanya - we need to support her. She is exposed to depressing things everyday- it's a big emotional burden on her. Tapos sasabihin ng mga detractors nag-iiyak iyakan lang. Mga marurumi isip. Sarap sakalin - mga walanghiya." Au says, "Dinky's tears are contagious. I try not to watch TV because it affects me too much. Can you imagine what Dinky has to go through every time?"

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Interview with Corazon "Dinky" Juliano-Soliman

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Former DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman is now at the Heritage Park to honor the late President Noynoy Aquino.
Posted by Politiko on Thursday, June 24, 2021

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Thank you so much for being close to the Family of Kiko Perez.You will Always be Remembered And  we will Always Pray for your Soul. Rest In Peace Tita Dinky we love You..Amen.

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Thank you so much for being close to the Family of Kiko Perez.You will Always be Remembered And  we will Always Pray for your Soul. Rest In Peace Tita Dinky we love You..Amen.

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Dinky and I got our TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) recognition in 1992 and that’s when we got to know one another and partnered in some projects. That was before I got known for my involvement in fighting the kidnapping scourge. She was one of those most concerned when she learned of the many threats I was getting. I attended some of our meetings riding the bus because I didn’t dare drive myself and I found public transport safer. Fast forward to her DSWD days. She called many of the groups doing social development and calamity relief work her multipliers. Nothing was too small for her to extend DSWD help. When I sought help for our Aeta community up the hills of Bamban, Tarlac, where roads were so deeply rutted it was a challenge to get through, she asked help from DPWH to send a grader to at least make the roads more passable for AUV’s. Then, she asked the Tarlac Office to augment our goods with DSWD supplies. We had to borrow a truck from friends in Angeles City to bring the goods to the Aetas. The community leaders said it was the first time they got help from the government.

First week of Yolanda relief, she barely had any sleep, snatching brief respite here and there. I told her not to do that for we had a long road ahead of her. She said, “Tessy, there’s time to rest later. The needs are too urgent.”  I was glad to be of help to her for emergency needs like tools to put up make-shift tents and temporary repairs. CW Home Depot, owned by one of Kaisa founders was able to mobilize some of their customers to provide basic tools like hammers, nails and saws. It was her hard work and dedication that inspired private sector help. There were many criticisms against DSWD efforts but she said, “Don’t mind them. It is the “outsiders” who don’t see our efforts in the ground who make those criticism.”  One of the groups that gave all-out help was Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines, which was able to mobilize Tzu Chi chapters nationwide to give help. It was just after Tzu Chi finished their Bohol earthquake relief but they coordinated swiftly with Dinky to provide help to Leyte and Samar and many of them were so impressed with Dinky’s efficiency.  The last time we met was at Marawi, when we turned over the houses for VP Leni Robredo’s Angat Buhay. We learned how close to her heart was the plight of the Muslims, especially the women and children.

We, at Kaisa and TOWNS will miss her sunflower kisses and cheerfulness. We grieve for our irreparable loss and treasure the years that she touched our lives. We pray that as the sunflowers lift themselves to the heavens, memories of Dinky and her work will likewise continue to lift our burdens and cares. We remember her by continuing to touch people’s lives.

We grieve for Dinky but let her go to her eternal rest in the warmth of God’s embrace. May her family find comfort in her life well-lived and fulfilled.

Teresita Ang See
TOWNS, 1992
Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, founding President

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Been saving this photo for some special occasion, now it’s yours, Mama Dinky! I always call you Mama coz you’re like a mom to all! I will always remember the post Xmas dinners at your beautiful garden. And that time we had dinner at Joey’s place, i will never forget how tired and sleepy you were but you still came with Boss Hec. I thought, wow, what devotion! What love! Padayon, Mama Dinks! Plant your sunflowers in heaven!

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That streak of color on her hair is as iconic as her sunflower persona, but the real stuff of legend is her power for listening, organizing, and coalition-building. Ang lagi kong sambit, in awe of her boundless network of civil society actors to invite next for our 'conversations' project, and of her jampacked calendar of Zoom meetings with various coalitions: "Ang daming energies ni Ma'am!" Partida pa, dahil ang siste, may dinaramdam pa siyang sakit ng lagay na 'yan. At sa kabila ng pandemya at comorbidities niya, pipiliin niya pa ring makipagusap nang F2F sa mga basehang sektor (with calculated risks, of course) para lamang makasama at mapakinggan sila. Walang katumbas ang kanyang dedikasyon sa bayan, at kung nahihirapan man siya, hindi niya ito kailanman ipinaramdam. Bawat meeting, bawat kumustahan, nandoon ang mga ngiti at good vibes na talaga namang nakakabuhay ng loob kahit ano pa mang paksa o hamon ang nakatakdang talakayin sa agenda.
Hindi namin alam kung paano na patatakbuhin ang mga naiwan niyang proyekto, pero palagay ko, ang sagot ay nasa pinakahuling Zoom meeting noong Agosto na kasama siyang nag-organisa. Ang tema ay "Futures Thinking". May marching order siya, palagay ko, at ito ay ang ipagpatuloy ang trabaho patungo sa  hinaharap na pangarap niya para sa lahat: "a quality of life consistent with a humane society, productivity and abundance."  Pero paano nga ba gagawin? Maraming paraan, pero may clue mula sa mga Politics-Governance-Development workshops na na-facilitate niya nito lamang June-July: Makialam sa politika, gamitin ang likas na karapatan at kapangyarihan bilang mamamayan at pumili ng demokratikong lider who can give this kind of future a fighting chance.
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Rest easy and thank you, Ma'am Dinky! Makakapahinga ka na po sa dami ng tinanim mong sunflower seeds na sumuloy, yumabong, at lumilinya na sa masukal na daan na nauna mo nang tinabas.
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(CJS' vision of peace for PH taken from "Filipino Peace Women," 2006)
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Shei Datinguinoo
INCITEGov

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Excerpt from Sec. Dinky's message during the launching of IMPanalo

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Launching of IMPanalo - DSWD Integrity Management Program

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Launching of IMPanalo - DSWD Integrity Management Program

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"Bahagi na ang Integridad ay pagbibigay ng paglilingkod sa tamang panahon ayon sa ating mga regulasyon, subalit hindi ang regulasyon ang nangingibabaw kung hindi ang paglilingkod.  Ako ay nagtitiwala na tayo ay magiging MATAPAT, MAHUSAY, MAGILIW, MABILIS at MASIGLA sa ating pagpapatuloy na paglilingkod sa ating SAMBAYANAN."

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3 Sunshine Thoughts of Dinky.           - Nor Gonzales, former WB Manila Senior Communications Specialist

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3 Sunshine Thoughts of Dinky.           - Nor Gonzales, former WB Manila Senior Communications Specialist

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"Great partnership with Dinky in WB Manila's first consultative exercise in formulating Country Partnership Strategies!"