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DSWD Secretary Virginia N. Orogo addresses the participants of the National Solo Parents’ Summit.
DSWD Secretary Virginia N. Orogo addresses the participants of the National Solo Parents’ Summit.

“I am one with you in your advocacy to amend RA 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000. Higit nating kinikilala ang ating mga solo parents bilang isa sa mga bulnerableng sector sa buong Pilipinas (We recognize solo parents as one of the vulnerable sectors in the country). “

This was the message of  Secretary Virginia Orogo for the leaders and advocates of solo parents’ organizations nationwide under the banner of the Federation of Solo Parents Luzvimin, during the National Solo Parents’ Summit held on July 14 at the DAR Gym, Diliman, Quezon City.

Sec. Orogo narrated that she has been raised by a solo parent. Her mother was widowed at a young age, and single-handedly took care of her and her two siblings. Hence, “I salute all solo parents, you are truly commendable.”

More than the discounts that the national federation of solo parents is lobbying, Sec. Orogo encouraged the solo parents to bond together and be active in advocating for their rights and welfare.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Mae-Fe Ancheta-Templa in her message stated, “It is the life, courage, and endurance of solo parents that is in itself inspirational because you, solo parents, are truly an inspiration for our people and our children. “

“Today,  Sec. Orogo and all other officials and social workers and personnel, including myself, are working hard to be providing that inspirational and empowering social welfare systems for solo parents,” Usec Ancheta-Templa added.

Officers of the member organizations of the Federation of Solo Parents Luzvimin led by their president, Carina Javier, read the ‘Manipesto’ stating the ‘wish list’ of solo parents nationwide.
Officers of the member organizations of the Federation of Solo Parents Luzvimin led by their president, Carina Javier, read the ‘Manipesto’ stating the ‘wish list’ of solo parents nationwide.

Other government agencies, such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), National Commission on Population, Department of Labor and Employment – Bureau of Working Conditions (DOLE-BWC), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), non-government organizations, such as Plan International, Rotary Club of New Manila South, Rotary Club of  North Edsa, as well as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of private companies, namely; Boardwalk and Manulife also participated in the whole day event.

Solo parents availed of free medical and legal services courtesy of DOH and PAO.

The Summit, with the theme, ”Solo Parents Welfare Act, Ipatupad Nang Malawakan, Amyenda Suportahan!”  was highlighted by the reading and signing of the Manipesto ,  a ‘wish list’ of solo parents led by FUSPP. ###