As the celebration of the National Solo Parents Week culminated on Saturday (April 26), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting solo parents across the country by highlighting the benefits available to them under Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD’s Statutory Programs said among the most significant provisions of the law is that solo parents earning less than Php250,000 annually are now entitled to a 10 percent discount and VAT exemption on basic necessities and certain goods for their children below 7 years of age.

“Pwede kayong makakuha ng 10 percent discount sa commodities ng bata na six years old and below,” Asst. Secretary Colico said in an interview on Saturday over the DSWD-Teleradyo partnership program, ‘Serbisyong DSWD for Every Juan.’

The DSWD official said the discount applies to children’s medicines, vitamins, medical supplies, diapers, and milk.

According to Asst. Secretary Colico, solo parents are also entitled to a parental leave, in addition to leave privileges under existing laws.

Solo parents, particularly solo mothers, are also prioritized in reentering the workforce.

“Nasa batas din na as much as possible, sila ang priority sa employment. Ito po ay suportado rin ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na kapag ikaw ay solo parent, you are to be prioritized sa employment pero syempre depende pa rin sa requirements at eligibility ng solo parent,” the asst. secretary told the program anchors.

Other key benefits for qualified solo parents include monthly cash subsidy for low-income solo parents; prioritization in low-cost housing programs; flexible work schedules; and scholarship programs for the solo parent and his or her children.

The DSWD official urged all solo parents to register with their respective local government units (LGUs) to obtain their solo parent identification cards (SPIC) and enjoy the full range of assistance provided by the law. (YADP)