AT LEAST 800 solo parents in Bacolod City received financial assistance from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) at SM North, in the city on Tuesday, March 4.
The distribution was led by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Congressman Greg Gasataya and the members of the City Council.
Benitez said it’s the first time that the solo parents in the city were given assistance amounting to P12,000 each, covering a P1,000 monthly subsidy for one year.
He said this period was covered in 2024, and a thorough validation was also conducted by the personnel of DSSD.
“This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial support to solo parents, helping them with daily necessities and improving their living conditions,” he added.
The mayor noted that the distribution of cash assistance is in relation to the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022, and City Ordinance (CO) No. 1041, series of 2023, or an ordinance amending section 4 of CO 550, or the solo parents programs/services ordinance.
Section 15 of RA 11861 stated that a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 per month per solo parent who is earning a minimum wage and below is to be allocated by the concerned city or municipal government in accordance with Section 17(b)(2)(iv) of the Local Government Code.
Benitez said the DSSD will also conduct another round of validation for additional qualified solo parents this year.
In 2024, the city has allocated a budget for at least 1,500 solo parents, but after a thorough validation, only 800 of them have qualified to avail the assistance.
Solo parents are individuals who, due to unfavorable circumstances, are left alone to rear, provide and support the needs of their children, which, among others, include provision for food, education, clothing, shelter, and other basic necessities for their daily survival.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the members of the City Council for ensuring the distribution of assistance to various sectors in the city. (MAP)
