VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The provincial government of Ilocos Sur showed its appreciation to indigent solo parents in the province on June 21 in a ceremony celebrating Solo Parent’s Day at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center here.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of cash incentives worth P3,000 to the 510 indigent solo parents in the province.
Governor Jeremias Singson said the day was dedicated to recognizing the strengths, resilience, and dedication of the solo parents who timelessly nurture and guide their families single-handedly.
He said, “Today, as we honor our solo parents, I want to affirm our commitment to guaranteeing that no one is left behind in all of our programs. We have developed and implemented a comprehensive range of initiatives aimed at supporting every member of our community. It is our goal to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their situation, has the opportunity to thrive.”
The provision of assistance was in line with the 10-Point One Ilocos Sur Agenda of the present administration under inclusive social welfare.
“Our initiatives like this are not just programs; they are our promise to you – a promise that we will continue to work tirelessly to create a province where everyone is valued and supported; a promise that we will uphold the principles of inclusivity and unity in all that we do. Today, we celebrate Provincial Solo Parent’s Day. We celebrate your strength, courage, and dedication. Your journey is not easy, but your determination and love inspire us all. So together, we will continue to build a province where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential,” Governor Singson added.
One of the recipients was Madonna Aquino from barangay Dinaratan in Salcedo town.
For over a decade, she has been raising her daughter as a solo parent, working tirelessly to provide for their needs and give her daughter a better future.
She said, “Malaking bagay na ito para sa aming mga solo parent ta talaga nga awan ti namnamaenmi ta awan met permanente a tarabako. Super masaya [ako] sa mga tulong mula sa gobyerno.”
[As a single parent without a stable job or steady income, this assistance is very helpful for us. I am grateful for the government’s support.]
Agnes Ombrog, a resident of Barangay Baluarte in Salcedo town, also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the government for the invaluable assistance provided, particularly as she is a mother of two children, one in high school and the other in elementary.
“Dakkel a katulungan kaniami, pandagdag sa mga gastusin ng mga anak namin,” she said.
[This assistance is of immense help to us, especially in meeting the additional needs of my children.]
In addition to the aid distribution, the provincial government also recognized the top five recipients of the “Natatanging Solo Parent” award, with Marinela Laino from Sinait town as the winner.
Laino also won at the regional level, awarded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development on April 19.
A pledge of commitment was also signed by the local officials of the provincial government and local government units who attended the event in support of Provincial Ordinance No. 0184, series of 2024, which institutionalizes the programs, services, benefits, and privileges that aim to safeguard and promote the rights, welfare, and development of solo parents and their children in the province. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
