BAGUIO CITY – The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), in partnership with the Baguio City Alliance of Solo Parents for Empowerment and Resiliency (BCA SPEAR), conducted the SoloCon 2024: Strengthening Connection Between Partners and Solo Parent Community on December 11, 2024 at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Lower Rock Quarry.
Solo parents from different districts in Baguio and representatives of business establishments gathered to gain a deeper understanding of the provisions under Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.
Representatives from various government agencies, including the Department of Health, PhilHealth, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, clarified the benefits available to solo parents under Republic Act No. 11861.
One of the key provisions highlighted during the discussion is that solo parents earning less than ₱250,000 annually are eligible for a 10% discount and value added tax exemption on essential items for their children, including milk, food, micronutrient supplements, sanitary diapers, prescribed medicines, vaccines, and other medical supplies. This benefit applies to children from birth until the age of six.
Other benefits discussed include automatic coverage under PhilHealth, with premiums paid by the government; priority access for solo parents, especially solo mothers, and their children in programs like apprenticeships, scholarships, livelihood training, and employment services from various government agencies; and priority in government housing projects with liberal payment terms.
In Baguio, children of lone parents enrolled at the University of Baguio and the University of the Cordilleras were given discounts in tuition fees.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong assured participants during the event that the City Mayor’s Office remains committed to assisting them with their needs.
“We are always here to support you and provide the help you need,” the mayor said.
To access all the benefits, solo parents must present a Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC), which can be obtained at the CSWDO Silungan Center. By Mileyvonne Tiamzon
