SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Santa Marcela organized an orientation on R.A 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, today, June 27, 2023, at the Municipal Kiosk in San Carlos, Santa Marcela.
The orientation featured informative lectures that focused on the implementation of R.A 11861. Resource speakers from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), represented by SWO I Thelma M. Pugyao, and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), represented by Registration Officer II Joanna Lyne L. Castro, shared their expertise on the subject.
The event was attended by various individuals, including Santa Marcela Mayor Evelyn Martinez, MSWDO staff, personnel from PSA-Apayao, and other participants.
In her welcome message, Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez commended the courage of solo parents in raising their children amidst challenging circumstances. She assured them that the government will provide additional programs and benefits for solo parents, including full scholarships for their children. She likewise reminded solo parents of their responsibilities to guide and protect their children from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination, and violence, which could hinder their development, emphasizing the potential consequences and penalties for irresponsible parenting.
Additionally, Registration Officer II Joanna Lyne Castro from the PSA discussed the contents, concepts, and guidelines for obtaining a Certificate of No Marriage (Cenomar), which is relevant to the process of availing benefits as a solo parent.
SWO I Thelma M. Pugyao highlighted the new guidelines and key amendments of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (R.A 11861). She emphasized that the act now includes any legal guardian, adoptive parent, or foster parent who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children. Pugyao also mentioned that solo parents will soon receive an additional monthly financial subsidy of 1,000 pesos. However, the specific details regarding the allocation of funds are yet to be determined by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
During the orientation, other relevant laws related to the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act were discussed, including the increased age of dependents from 18 to 22, factors leading to the termination of solo parent benefits, prohibited acts and penalties, categories of solo parents, and the concept of foster parents.
Currently, the MSWDO Santa Marcela reported 106 solo parents in the municipality.
The solo parents expressed their gratitude for the government’s timely support in meeting their pressing needs as they face challenges in raising their children single-handedly. By Jomela C. Dela Torre
