TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The city celebrated Solo Parent Week with the theme “Solo Parent na Rehistrado sa Gobyerno Tiyak na Protektado” on April 19, 2024, at the Tabuk People’s Gym.
The activity was facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and attended by solo parents from all the districts in the city.
During the program, Mayor Darwin Estrañero acknowledged all the solo parents in the city and praised them for building their families on their own.
He also shared his story of being a single parent after his wife died due to cancer several years ago, and he raised his three kids on his own.
According to CSWD Officer Susana Daluping, the celebration is to give importance to the roles of solo parents in raising their families and making an impact on society.
She said that under Republic Act 8972, as amended, all solo parents are entitled to certain benefits that must be given to them.
In order to qualify for the benefits provided under the law, from both the public and private sectors, solo parents in the city are urged to register and secure a solo parent ID with the CSWDO.
On the other hand, Councilor Lucretina Sarol, committee chairperson on social welfare, said that there are different programs that solo parents can avail of from the city government.
She assured further assistance by proposing an ordinance in coordination with the CSWDO for solo parents to receive a monthly allowance from the city government.
During the celebration, VAWC focal person Vilma Palma also informed the solo parents about their rights under RA 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against their Children law.
She reiterated that solo parents who are victims of violence and abuse from their partners may report to police authorities for their protection as well as that of their children.
Mr. and Mrs. Solo Parent 2024, Solo Parent Got Talent, Inandela, a cooking competition, and a spoken poetry competition were among the events held during the celebration.
The judges for the above events included Norman Co, John Dulawen Yao, John Leyaley, Aurora Amilig, Chingoy Cagaid, Nerish Lunang, Doris Pocais, and Marjorie Lingbawan. By Ian Addatu
