by: Atty. Clarolyn Jane A. Capellan
Often times I hear someone claiming “kuya bayad ho estudyante” or “bayad ko, senior citizen” but never “kuya bayad, solo parent”.
Compared to the privileges given to the students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the privileges and benefits awarded to the Solo Parents are very limited and not that recognized. And aside from the fact that some of our single parents are not aware about these perks, especially in some remote and rural areas, there is also this unspoken judgment from most people about being a Single Parent.
This article is intended to emphasize and inform the public of the privileges granted to the Solo Parents who are left alone and continuously struggling to make a living not only for themselves but also for their loved ones.
The national government took the initiative to pass Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 to promote, support and uplift the conditions of the single parents who seek to fight for a better life for themselves and their children.
Under the said Act, solo parent is not only limited to those widow or widower but it also covers those persons who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children and any family member who assumes the responsibility of a head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent. Those with OFW spouses are not considered solo parents unless the other parent who is abroad has not been in contact with the family for at least one (1) year.
We do not have the slightest idea how hard it is to be a Solo Parent unless you become one. Some people don’t know the pain, the sacrifices, the heartbreaks and depressing moments, and the buckets of tears they cry when they think of the future of their child/children. As such, our government provided the following benefits for the solo parents: (a) Flexible work schedule wherein you may ask your employer for an earlier or later time-in and time-out to suit your needs as a solo parent. Provided, that the same shall not affect individual and company productivity; (b) Parental leave as a solo parent, you are entitled to an additional seven (7) days leave from work every year provided that you have worked for your employer for at least a year and you have given at least a week’s notice prior; (c) Protection against work discrimination with respect to terms and conditions of employment due to his or her status; and (d) Additional support and assistance are likewise given to those solo parents whose income falls below the poverty threshold (as set by the National Economic and Development Authority) and is deemed eligible by a DSWD worker. Being qualified, the solo parent can avail of educational, housing, and medical benefits and assistance from the following agencies: Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the National Housing Authority (NHA).
To avail of the solo parent privileges, one must apply for a Solo Parent Identification Card from the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office where the applicant is residing. And they should present the following documents to their local Social Welfare and Development Office: (1) Barangay certification certifying solo parent’s residency in the barangay for the last six months and (2) Income-tax return or any document that will establish the income level of the solo parent. Once the social workers have received and verified the documents presented, they will be given a case number in the logbook of Registry of Solo Parents. Once it’s completed, they will give the applicant a solo-parent ID, which is valid for a year and renewable.
They say that parenthood is the most satisfying and rewarding experience that one could ever have, but to do this alone is not an easy job. To say that it is difficult is even an understatement. As cliche as it sounds, not all superheroes wear capes, sometimes they are those who we call Single Parents!
