In interviews with Ioannes Paulus Omang of DYVL and Kaugop Dan Kerk Requiez of Kaugop Radio, Ms Alejandra Yeng Deloria Catalon President of Singly Overcoming Life’s Obstacles or SOLOs (the solo parents’ organization of DSWD Field Office VIII), who is also member of the Board of Trustees and PIO, Federation of Solo Parents Luzvimin Inc.-United Solo Parents of the Philippines (USPP), articulated the SOLOs’ expression of support for the amendment of the Solo Parent Welfare Act or RA 8972.
She further explicated, that with the help of Gabriela, RA 8972 will be brought to Congress on the 30th of August of this year for the amendment of this act for more benefits for solo parents.
“Kinahanglan hin boses, kinahanglan hin kusog. Stand tall. Kadto ha munispyo, ngan igpresentar niyo it iyo kalugaringon, para magkaada kamo hin Solo Parent’s ID, para liwat kamo maka- avail hit mga benepisyo hit Solo Parents’ Welfare Act”, Ms Catalon said. (Voices and strengths are needed. Go to your municipal hall and present yourselves so that you will have a Solo Parent’s ID, and thereby avail of the benefits of the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act).

Ms Catalon went on to explain the ten categories of a solo parent, or who the solo parent is, as stated in Republic Act 8972.
A Solo parent is any individual who falls under any of the following categories: (1) A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender: provided, that the mother keeps and raises the child; (2) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to death of spouse; (3) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while the spouse is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year; (4) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner; (5) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children; (6) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children; (7) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at least one (1) year; (8) Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution; (9) Any other person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children; (10) Any family member who assumes the responsibility of head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent.
Ms Catalon will explain more about this Act and its proposed amendments, tomorrow, August 25, 2016, on PRTV12’s Bungto Panginano at 3:00 to 4:00 pm with Ms Boots Palconite Buena and Larry Portillo.