As part of its observance of the 18 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Zonta Club of Cebu 2 held the Tri-City Solo Parents: Panagtagbo to empower solo parents in these areas.
The activity organized by Zonta Club of Cebu, in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas and Bagong Pilipino, aims to promote the empowerment of solo parents in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapulapu. The initiative focuses on education, access to benefits, and community support, and aims to uplift solo parents and ensure their rights are protected.
The Solo Parents Act: Advocacy for Rights and Support
During the event, DSWD Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero emphasized that the Expanded Solo Parent Welfare Act (RA 11165) addressed the unique needs of solo parents.
“We have over 63,000 solo parents from poor families in the region, but only 23,000 are registered. Registration is crucial to access benefits such as the P1,000 monthly subsidy for those earning below P250,000 annually, additional seven days of parental leave, educational support, and medical assistance,” Lucero said in an interview. Lucero pointed out that many eligible individuals miss out on crucial support due to a lack of registration. “Solo parents must visit their local social welfare office, undergo an interview and assessment, and submit required documents to qualify,” she said, adding that they should be the legal guardian.
RD Lucero also emphasized that solo parents earning more than P250,000 annually could still avail of other benefits, except for the P1,000 monthly subsidy. She detailed the registration requirements, which include proof of dependency for children aged 22 and below and legal documentation for guardianship or adoption. Lucero encouraged solo parents to register with the local social welfare offices, undergo assessment, and secure their Solo Parent IDs to unlock these benefits.
Under the Solo Parents Act, registered solo parents are entitled to:
“Empowerment begins with awareness,” she said. “The Solo Parents Act ensures solo parents are equipped with the tools and opportunities to build better futures for themselves and their children.”
Creating Safe Spaces for All
Atty. Julius Oliver Moëller, a volunteer lawyer for the cases of DSWD solo parents highlighted the importance of the Safe Spaces Act ( RA 11313), in fostering a supportive environment for solo parents and all vulnerable individuals. “This landmark law addresses gender-based sexual harassment, ensuring victims have legal recourse. What matters under this law is how the victim feels—not the harasser’s intent. It’s about creating environments where everyone feels secure, whether in public places or the workplace,” Moeller said.
He also emphasized the role of local government units (LGUs), schools, and private establishments in disseminating information and implementing policies to protect individuals from harassment. “From raising awareness to enforcing penalties, collective efforts will help make our communities safer and more inclusive,” he added.
Community-centered Empowerment
Maribeth Sevilla-Diaz, president of the Federation of Sol Parents Mandaue City, urged solo parents to register in the local social welfare services office to avail of the benefits.
Solo parents face financial difficulties while raising their children so the Solo Parents Act benefits would help a lot, Ms. Diaz said in an interview. Zn Dr. Elsa Basubas, chairperson of ZCC II Abay sa Kahayag, cited the importance of the Solo Parents Welfare Act and Safe Spaces Act, saying that these promote solo parents’ dignity, rights, and well-being. Zn Basubas called for continued promotion of the advocacy so that all solo parents will have the courage to face the challenges of raising their children on their own because the community where they live supports them.
The World Health Organization estimates that the Philippines has around 15 million solo parents, 95 percent or 14 million of these are women. Through sustained efforts and collective action, Zonta Club of Cebu II and its partners are paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for solo parents in Mandaue, Cebu, and Lapu-Lapu.
SOURCE: SUGBO LIVE: Zonta Club of Cebu II promotes Solo Parent Empowerment in Tri-City Collaboration
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