Ninety-six solo parents in Ilocos Norte have qualified to receive PHP1,000 cash aid each under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) said on Thursday.

In an interview, PSWDO head Rochelle Gajes told the Philippine News Agency that the cash amount due to beneficiaries for the first quarter of the year is now being processed for release.

Under the law, single-parent beneficiaries are entitled to receive a monthly cash subsidy of PHP1,000 from the local government unit, provided they earn minimum wage or less and are not recipients of any other government cash assistance program.

“As of now, the PHP3,000 each for the 96 solo parents of Ilocos Norte for the first quarter are being processed at the provincial accounting office. We hope to release it as soon as possible,” Gajes said in an interview.

The amount is funded under the PSWDO’s Other Maintenance and Operating Expenses.

This year, the PSWDO has allocated more than PHP1.1 million for the monthly social pension of solo parents.

As the country observes “Solo Parents Week” from April 13 to 18, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) paid tribute to the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of solo parents in the community.

“Raising children on their own is never an easy feat. Thus, it is vital that we acknowledge the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of solo parents in our society,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, DSWD spokesperson, said in a statement.

With this year’s theme, “Hindi ka Nag-iisa sa Iyong Pag-iisa: Yakap at Kalinga para sa Solo Parent,” the DSWD official reiterated that single parents are eligible to receive an expanded package of social protection services under Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act.

Among the benefits that solo parents may receive are automatic coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s National Health Insurance Program; prioritization in government housing programs; access to scholarships, educational aid, flexible work, and parental leave.

The law also grants solo parents earning less than PHP250,000 annually a 10 percent discount and an exemption from value-added tax.

These benefits cover essential goods for a child’s first six years, including milk, food, micronutrient supplements, diapers, medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies. (PNA)