Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized on Friday (April 4) that the agency’s mandate is to protect the rights and welfare of members of vulnerable sectors including solo parents, against any form of abuse.

“Ang mandato ng DSWD ay laging pangalagaan mula sa anumang pang-aabuso—-verbal, physical man yan—-ang mga marginalized, mahirap, o bulnerable. Para sa amin, ang anguish nyan ay napakabigat,” Secretary Gatchalian told reporters on the sidelines of the job fair in Antipolo City.

The DSWD chief made this statement following a viral video showing a local candidate using solo parents as the subject of jokes during a campaign sortie.

Secretary Gatchalian stressed that solo parents face immense challenges in raising their children alone, and it is inappropriate to use them as a punchline.

“Sa mata namin ay isang aspeto yun ng pang-aabuso sa bulnerable. Pangalawa, hindi naman tama na laitin mo ang iyong kapwa para lang sa sarili mong kampanya,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

The DSWD chief also emphasized the importance of treating people with dignity, especially those who are already struggling.

“Mas lalo namang wag mong laitin yung mas mabigat pa yung pinagdadaanan,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

The DSWD chief said the offensive remarks did not only offend solo parents but also women in general.

“Kung tutuusin, hindi lang naman solo parents ang na-offend, lahat ng kababaihan,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Secretary Gatchalian earlier urged local candidates for the May 12 elections to raise the level of discourse during the campaign and avoid resorting to offensive jokes that tend to degrade the poor, vulnerable and marginalized sectors.