The Philippines has up to 15 million single parents, 95 percent of which are women, results of a recent research conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health, show.

Being a solo parent is very challenging. There is a saying that says, "It takes a village to raise a child," and it may ring true universally, but most solo parents embark on the journey of caring for a child by their lonesome. 

Recognizing their unique needs, the Philippine government has expanded initiatives aiming to lighten the load through legal provisions, social welfare programs, and local assistance.

The overarching legal framework comes by virtue of Republic Act  11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022.

This legislation entitles solo parents whose earnings are below the minimum wage are entitled to a monthly allowance of P1,000. 

Essential purchases for their children under 6 years old also come with VAT exemption and discounts, further reducing their  expenses.

Crucially, 7 days of paid parental leave gives solo parents time to fulfill important childcare duties, regardless of work status. And automatic PhilHealth coverage ensures access to healthcare.

Various national government initiatives also provide further aid. 

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which tackles poverty through conditional cash transfers, prioritizes solo-parent beneficiaries who belong to the underprivileged. 

Livelihood projects under the Sustainable Livelihood Program, on the other hand, equip them with income-generating skills. Housing assistance comes in the form of subsidized rentals or focused inclusion in resettlement programs.

At the local level, cities and municipalities enact ordinances granting additional benefits like discounts on local fees, scholarships for higher education, and subsidized day care services. Support groups are organized for counseling and peer empowerment. These localized efforts align with specific community needs.

In addition to these perks, now there is the “Strengthening Opportunities for Lone Parents” or Program SOLo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that is more than just aid, but a lifeline for single-parent households.

Program SOLo pioneers innovative interventions, intricately designed to provide not only emotional support but also alternative care arrangements for the most precious members of these families—their children and dependents.

Furthermore, it aims to challenge and eradicate cultural barriers such as stigma and discrimination to build a more inclusive and compassionate environment.

The objective is clear: SOLo is here to empower Solo-Parent Families, allowing them to lead a life that is not only resilient but also a “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay” (stable, comfortable, and secure life).

DSWD Undersecretary Edu Punay described how Program SOLo represents the agency's ongoing commitment to the well-being of single parents. The program's goal is to empower single parents by creating meaningful opportunities that enable them to fulfill their crucial duties as committed parents.

Speaking from personal experience, Undersecretary Punay showed great empathy for the sacrifices that single parents make for their children. Recognizing their unwavering commitment to securing a brighter future, he reaffirmed the agency's commitment to stand with them.

“Personally, I know solo parents will do everything for their children; they dedicate their entire life to their children to make a better future for them… We are here to support you, and I know for a fact that this program will benefit our solo parents and, ultimately, their children,” Usec. Punay said.

The SOlo program will strengthen Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which grants additional benefits to solo parents.

In addition to the benefits of RA 11861, Program SOLo will provide:

- Emotional support for both parent and children
- Alternative care arrangements for children/dependents
- Counteraction of stigma and discrimination

The DSWD is committed to fostering and maintaining a long-term collaboration with local government units (LGUs), recognizing their critical role in providing effective community-based services to single parents.

This program is intended exclusively for solo parents who fit certain requirements, such as those who have two to three non-working children under the age of 22, solo parents and their families who live nearby, and solo parents who fall into various categories as described by RA 11861.

The SOlo program's pilot testing has been rolled out in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, with future implementations in Anda, Pangasinan, and Panabo City, Davao del Norte. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)