CEBU CITY - Solo parents in Central Visayas are encouraged to secure their identification cards through local government units to access a range of benefits efficiently.
According to Philippines News Agency, Shalaine Marie Lucero, the regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas, announced on Tuesday that the Family Welfare Sector is intensifying its campaign to prompt solo parents to apply for the Solo Parents Identification Card (SPIC). This initiative aligns with the recently celebrated Solo Parents Week and is aimed at facilitating access to the privileges outlined in the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022, Republic Act 11861.
As of January 2024, data indicates that there are 23,672 registered solo parents in the region, comprising 20,479 females and 3,188 males. The law recognizes a solo parent as a legal guardian, adoptive, or foster parent who alone provides care and support to a child aged 22 years and below, who lives with and depends on them. Solo parents are eligible for these benefits provided they are not cohabitating or sharing parenting responsibilities with another individual unless the spouse is incapacitated.
The benefits under the new law include a parental leave of up to seven days annually, in addition to existing leave privileges, automatic enrollment in the National Health Insurance Program, and other support measures from both national agencies and local government units. Special privileges like telecommuting, flexible work schedules, and child-minding centers at workplaces are also available to eligible solo parents.