The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is reinforcing its efforts to uplift solo parent-headed families through the implementation of the Program SOLo or the Strengthening Opportunities for Lone Parents, an agency official said on Saturday (April 26).
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the initiative, designed to
complement Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, seeks to empower solo parent-headed families not only through economic assistance but through holistic and technology-aided psychosocial support.
“The Program SOLo is crafted with the realities of solo parents in mind—acknowledging the daily challenges they face while raising children single-handedly,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
According to the DSWD spokesperson, the program primarily targets solo parent-headed families with two to three children below 22 years old, especially those living within close proximity to one another.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao emphasized that the Program SOLo goes beyond assistance but
also promotes transformation that aims to allow solo parent-headed families to enjoy life that is “matatag” (secure), “maginhawa” (comfortable), and “panatag” (strongly rooted).
“We want to ensure that solo parents are not just surviving, but truly thriving. The program aims to allow solo parents to perform their parental roles despite the problems and challenges they face,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
The program is designed for implementation at the local level, enabling local government units (LGUs) to provide tailored interventions that reflect the unique needs of solo parent-headed households in their communities.
Among its core objectives are the provision of client-centered family case management and service delivery, as well as the establishment of parenting and emotional support system for solo parents.
Another key aspect of the initiative is its developmental approach for the children of
solo parents.
“The program prioritizes family well-being by ensuring children receive appropriate developmental interventions, recognizing that the stability of a solo parent directly impacts the growth and future of their children,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
It also encompasses solo parents from diverse categories as defined under RA 11861,
ensuring that all eligible families receive the support they need, according to the DSWD spokesperson.
“Through this program, we are building a society where solo parents are supported, respected, and empowered to raise resilient families,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.