Dinky Soliman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honorable Dinky Soliman
Soliman in 2015
23rd Secretary of Social Welfare and Development
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2016
President	Benigno S. Aquino III
Preceded by	Celia Capadocia-Yangco
Succeeded by	Judy Taguiwalo (Ad interim)
In office January 20, 2001 – July 8, 2005
President	Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Preceded by	Dulce Saguisag
Succeeded by	Esperanza Cabral
Personal details
Born	Corazón Victoria Nerves Juliano (1953-01-27)January 27, 1953 Tarlac City, Philippines
Died	September 19, 2021(2021-09-19) (aged 68) Quezon City, Philippines
Nationality	Philippines
Spouse	Hector Soliman
Children	Sandino Soliman Marikit Soliman
Alma mater	University of the Philippines Diliman Harvard University
Profession	Social worker

Corazon Victoria "Dinky" Nerves Juliano-Soliman (January 27, 1953 – September 19, 2021) was an important person in the Philippines. She was a politician, an activist, and a social worker. She served as the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development two times. First, she worked under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2005. Later, she served under President Benigno Aquino III from 2010 to 2016.

Early Life and Education

Dinky Soliman was born on January 27, 1953. Her birthplace was Tarlac City, Philippines. She finished her high school studies at the College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac.

After high school, she went to the University of the Philippines Diliman. There, she earned her degree in Social Work. She also completed her Master of Social Work degree at the same university. Later, she studied at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She received her Master of Public Administration from Harvard.

Before joining the government, Soliman worked for many years. She was an activist and social worker. She helped poor communities through different non-governmental organizations.

Her Career in Government

After the 2001 EDSA revolution, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo chose Dinky Soliman. She became the Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary. Soliman held this job for four years.

In 2005, she resigned from her position. This was because of concerns about the 2004 Philippine presidential election. There were claims that President Arroyo had cheated.

She was appointed to the same role again in 2010. This time, she served under President Benigno Aquino III. She stayed in this position for his entire six-year term.

During her time with President Aquino, she did a lot of good work. She helped strengthen the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. This program helps poor families. She also led President Aquino's group focused on human development and reducing poverty.

In June 2012, Soliman started new programs to fight poverty. She helped build a new daycare center in Donsol, Sorsogon. She also helped build a concrete road for the people living there. In November 2012, she organized special events. These included a Family Camp for families living on the streets in Metro Manila.

From 2013, Soliman played a key role in helping people after Typhoon Haiyan. She led relief efforts in Tacloban. She continued this work until the end of her term. In 2014, some food packs meant for typhoon relief were spoiled. This was due to improper handling, which she admitted. Despite this, she continued her important work.

In May 2015, Dinky Soliman received an award from the World Bank. This award recognized her leadership in social accountability. The ceremony took place in Washington, D.C..

Later Life and Passing

In June 2021, Dinky Soliman made her last public appearance. She paid her respects at the funeral of President Benigno Aquino III. People noticed she had lost weight.

In August 2021, Soliman and her husband, Hector, got COVID-19. Thirteen other family members also got sick. Dinky Soliman passed away on September 19, 2021, at age 68. She died due to kidney and heart failure, along with COVID-19. Vice President Leni Robredo confirmed her passing.