Register to get more benefits, solo parents urged

IN observance of Solo Parents Week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) encouraged single parents to register for more assistance and incentives.

This year's theme, «Solo Parent na Rehistrado, sa Gobyerno Tiyak na Protektado!» aims to motivate single parents to register with their respective local government units to take advantage of the benefits and incentives.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao said Wednesday the department appreciates the commitment, hard work and sacrifices made by single parents to give the best opportunity they can possibly provide for their children's future.

«Solo parents, despite being part of the vulnerable sector, are considered icons of love, bravery and strength in our society. They have shown courage in fulfilling the very challenging responsibility of raising their children alone,» Dumlao said.

«Hence, it is [fitting] that we continue to support them with necessary interventions to help them cope with the difficulties of parenthood,» she added.

Republic Act (RA) 11861, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, designates the third week and third Saturday of April as «Solo Parents Week» and «National Solo Parents Day,» respectively, to recognize the significance and contribution of every solo parent in the Philippines.

Under RA 11861, single parents are entitled to a monthly stipend and PhilHealth coverage for minimum wage earners; discounts on baby milk, diapers, medications and immunizations for their children under the age of 6; and seven days of paid parental leave regardless of employment status.

Dumlao said the DSWD is also pilot-testing the Strengthening Opportunities for Lone Parents, or Program SOLo.

«This introduces innovations in psychosocial interventions to ensure emotional support and alternative care arrangements for solo parents and their children or dependents,» the official said.

«A general assembly for solo parent employees will be held on April 18 at the DSWD Central Office Auditorium to discuss the Solo Parent Support Group of the department,» she added.

On April 18 and 19, the department will set up a two-day marketing fair for