Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman was one of the founders of CODE-NGO when it was formally established in 1991 and served as its Chairperson in 1998. She has always been our champion, ally, and mentor on people-centered development, a courageous and truly inspiring leader. 

At the time of CODE-NGO’S founding, Dinky was already an established community organizer and luminary in the civil society sector. She represented the Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PHILDHRRA) where she served as the chairperson. When Karina David, the first chairperson of CODE-NGO, had to leave for a government post, Dinky took the helm in 1998. Under her leadership, she set the example of good governance that we know today.   After successfully leading the protests against President Estrada through the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino II (KOMPIL II), she was appointed as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001. When the leadership of the Arroyo administration clearly became illegitimate as revealed in the “Hello Garci” controversy, she joined other Cabinet Secretaries in resignation in July 2005. Dinky returned to the Cabinet later in 2010 when former President Benigno Aquino III designated her as head of DSWD. As DSWD Secretary in both administrations, she constantly put the people’s interest first before her own. She institutionalized empowering and people-centered programs such as the KALAHI-CIDSS and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). 

CODE-NGO hosted a celebration of Dinky Soliman’s life last September 27, 2021, one of many Sunflower Celebrations for Dinky series of online events organized by leaders from the sectors of the urban poor, women, farmers, fishers, agrarian reform advocates, meditators, and non-government organizations, as well as former Cabinet members and her DSWD family. 

The first part was a Catholic Mass officiated by Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ. A short program followed to honor Dinky with words of remembrance from her long-time colleagues and friends in CODE-NGO.

In his homily,  Fr. Karel shared that there is both joy and sadness in the passing of Dinky. “May matinding pasasalamat sa nagawa niya sa mga komunidad. Higit dito, malalim na pagpapasalamat sa biyaya ng kanyang pagkakatao at biyaya ng pagiging kaibigan.” [There is great gratitude in what she did for the community. There is deep thankfulness in the blessing of her personhood and friendship.]

CODE-NGO Chairperson Aurora Chavez then welcomed everyone to honor Dinky and the joy, hope, and love she gave to people. 

Here are excerpts from the heartfelt tribute:

“Dinky relied not only on her grassroots and community experience in leading DSWD, she also called on researchers to refine the DSWD program. She was a visionary, an inclusive and reform-oriented leader, and she excelled wherever she was. She always maintained her principles of being a champion of the poor and marginalized. I will surely miss you, Dinks. Rest assured we will carry on.”

– Fernando T. Aldaba, PhD 

Founding Trustee of CODE-NGO

“Dinky was the best facilitator I have ever known. I think what makes her a highly effective one was her ability to practice active listening. Dinky could park her ego at the door making others feel she was only listening to them, hearing the feelings and emotions of what they are saying. She had the capacity to suspend judgment, listening to others with dignity without giving up the advocacies she held dear.”

– Ma. Aurora Tolentino 

Former Chairperson of CODE-NGO

Noel Cabangon, a singer and friend of Dinky, recalls singing in mobilization and gatherings of organizations. As his tribute, he performed his rendition of “More Today Than Yesterday” and “In My Life” by the Beatles.

“In the world of social development, Dinky towers above us all.  Dinky’s work was a defiance of the systems of the government and society. That’s what her life was about. I will share three lessons I learned from her. First, in order to build consensus, you have to listen. Second, Dinky is capable of talking to people and people easily trusted her because she exuded authenticity as a person. Third, do all of these with grace.”

– Danilo A. Songco 

Former National Coordinator of CODE-NGO

“This is an opportunity to celebrate life. We should carry on the fight in the little things that we can do, to proceed with the relentless spirit and full life that Dinky served. I will pursue the fight.”

– Emmanuel Areno 

Western Visayas Network of NGOs (WEVNET) and Iloilo CODE-NGO

“Isa siyang mahusay na facilitator at consensus builder, walang pagod na leader, masaya at maalagang kaibigan na may laging bitbit na sunflower energy na nakakahawa sa atin.” [She is a skilled facilitator and consensus builder, energetic leader, happy and careful friend who always brings her contagious sunflower energy.]

–Sixto Donato C. Macasaet 

former Executive Director of CODE-NGO

“We will never forget the work that Dinky has done here. Thank you for your work so that poverty will not be forever. I know you are at peace. Thank you Dinky.”

–Sylvia O. Paraguya 

Chief Executive Officer, National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO)

“Magkahiwalay ang landas na ating tatahakin, pero dahil tayo ay magkasama sa puso, paniniwala at layunin, tayo ay magkakasama pa din. Wala man si Dinky ngayon, yung mga aral na binigay niya ay patuloy na inspirayson sa akin. Sana ito ay maibahagi natin sa susunod na henerasyon ng development workers.” [We are still together even if we have different paths because we are united in our hearts, beliefs, and goals. She may not be here with us, but the lessons she gave will continue to be an inspiration for me. I hope we can imbibe them to future generations of development workers.]

–Benedict O. Balderrama 

National Coordinator, Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies (PHILSSA)

“She wanted to solve the divide within us in MINCODE so we can focus on our many points of convergence despite the forces that divided us. We will continue with our generative conversations. We will survive these difficult times.”

– Andrea Maria Patricia Sarenas

Chairperson, Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE)

To close the program, Sandino Soliman, Program Officer for Advocacy of CODE-NGO, shared his tribute and send-off to his mother, Dinky. “No one will bar you as you have lived a full life of service and prayer here on earth – championing the rosary to the family and encouraging us always to pray and thank God. Be assured, Mama, that we will continue what you started and live to fulfill your dreams.”

Watch the tribute video here.

Read the tribute of various CSOs and individuals here. 

Rest in power in the sunflower fields, Dinky!