The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has affirmed its commitment to advance the welfare and rights of solo parents during the country’s observance of “Solo Parents Week” from April 13 to 18.
“The DSWD recognizes and honors the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of solo parents in our communities. 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,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement on Monday.
With this year’s theme, “Hindi ka Nag-iisa sa Iyong Pag-iisa: Yakap at Kalinga para sa Solo Parent,” the DSWD spokesperson reiterated that single parents are eligible to receive an expanded package of social protection services under Republic Act (RA) 11861 or the “Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act.
“We continue to encourage all solo parents to register with their respective local government units, acquire their solo parent identification cards (SPIC), and avail themselves of the programs, benefits, and services available to them as mandated by the law,” she said.
Among the benefits that solo parents may receive are automatic coverage under the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); prioritization in government housing programs; access to scholarships and educational assistance; flexible work arrangements and parental leave; and other support services.
The law also grants solo parents earning less than PHP250,000 annually a 10 percent discount and exemption from value-added tax.
These benefits apply to the purchase of essential goods for their child, including milk, food, micronutrient supplements, sanitary diapers, prescribed medicines, vaccines, and other medical supplies, covering the period from the child’s birth until they turn six years old.
The DSWD also implements Program SOLo (Strengthening Opportunities for Lone Parents), which offers solo parents a client-centered family case management and service delivery, along with a dedicated parenting and emotional support system.
Apart from programs and services, the DSWD is set to launch a unified ID system for solo parents.
Once completed, the new system will help streamline the application process for the SPIC and ensure faster access for solo parents to government services nationwide.
“Through the collective efforts of the government and its partners, we hope to continue to improve the access of solo parents to various services and interventions. We aim to ease their burdens and empower them toward self-sufficiency and improved quality of life, including their children,” Dumlao said. (PNA)
