Outgoing Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman turned emotional once again when she looked back on her days as head of the agency she served for two non-consecutive terms under different administrations.
A news report aired over People’s Television (PTV-4) Thursday evening caught Soliman trying to hold back tears while reminiscing about her experiences as the country’s chief social worker under the Aquino administration.
Soliman thanked everyone she worked with at the DSWD and has indicated that she already spoke with her successor, Professor Judy Taguiwalo, who she said is amenable to the idea of continuing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
“She (Taguiwalo) wants to review the program and see how it can be improved,” Soliman was quoted saying.
Soliman hoped the next administration will keep the 4Ps going especially in the “challenging” areas of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
“Ang mamamayan, mahirap man sila, may kakayahang baguhin ang kanilang sitwasyon. I believe that poverty can be reduced for as long as people are empowered to help themselves,” Soliman said.
Soliman first held the DSWD post under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001 but resigned four years later when the latter got embroiled in the infamous ‘Hello Garci’ controversy.
