by: Gelaine Gutierrez
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — Jane Garcia, 32, of Barangay Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, balances the demands of solo parenthood with the struggle for financial stability. With four children, including a 1-year-old, Garcia juggles various jobs, from washing dishes to working in a canteen, to make ends meet.
“It’s really hard when you’re alone, juggling housework and work. How do you even divide yourself? And two of my children are already in school,” she said in Filipino.
Garcia, like many solo parents, relies on resourcefulness and community support to manage daily expenses. Her situation highlights the importance of the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act (Republic Act 11861).
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized March 11 that solo parents like Garcia are entitled to expanded social protection benefits under the act. However, they must apply for or update their Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) to access these benefits.
“To access various government programs and services from other institutions designed to support solo parents, they must register with their local government unit’s (LGU) Solo Parent Office (SPO) and apply for an SPIC and booklet,” Dumlao said.
Here are some benefits available with an SPIC:
PhilHealth Coverage: Solo parents and their children registered with their LGU’s Social Welfare Office are automatically covered by PhilHealth’s National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). An SPIC is required.
The government covers premiums for indigent solo parents, while employed solo parents split contributions with their employers.
10% Discount and VAT Exemption: Solo parents earning less than P250,000 annually can receive discounts on essential child-related purchases, including milk, food, diapers, medicine and vaccines. They must present their SPIC and booklet to avail of this benefit, as mandated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Housing Assistance: The National Housing Authority (NHA) provides equal access to housing projects for solo parents with a valid or updated SPIC who earn below the poverty threshold.
Financial and Educational Support: Eligible solo parents can receive a P1,000 monthly cash subsidy from their city and access scholarships and other educational programs from the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act also includes new categories of solo parents:
- A spouse, family member or guardian of a child or children of a low- or semi-skilled overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who has been away for at least 12 consecutive months.
- An unmarried parent responsible for raising their child or children.
- Any legal guardian, adoptive or foster parent who provides sole parental care and support.
- A relative within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity of the parent or legal guardian who takes on parental care and support due to the death, abandonment, disappearance or absence of the parents for at least six months.
- A pregnant woman who provides sole parental care and support to her unborn child.
These updates aim to better support and empower solo parents nationwide. For more information on benefits and programs, visit DSWD official channels. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
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