CH assistance for solo parents known Wednesday

CEBU, Philippines - The members of the Cebu City Council will decide on Wednesday whether or not solo parents can be given cash assistance by the city government.

An argument among the councilors on the amount to be given to solo parents has prompted Vice Mayor Edgar Labella to defer a proposed ordinance sponsored by Councilor Gerardo Carillo until next week. 

Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos is opposed to the idea of giving cash assistance to solo parents, saying they should “teach them how to fish, not give them fish.”

Carillo is pushing for the approval of his proposed ordinance “providing for the mechanics and criteria as to when and how solo parents may be entitled to cash assistance from the Cebu City government.”

He initially suggested that at least P4,000 shall be given to a family of six, which is below the poverty threshold.

While there are only 400 qualified solo parents as per record of the Department of Welfare and Social Services, but the councilors expect the number of single parents to increase once the ordinance is approved.

Councilors Delos Santos and Nida Cabrera, who were once barangay captains in Lahug and Luz, respectively, said there are a lot more solo parents in their barangays.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao, vice chair of the committee on budget and finance, said he is worried about the financial capability of the city.

“We have reservation if we can implement the ordinance considering the financial situation of the city,” said Wenceslao.

At the course of the discussion, Carillo suggested that P2,000 cash assistance shall be extended yearly to solo parents who are residents or voters for at least three consecutive elections in the city.

But, Councilor James Anthony Cuenco said the amount is too small.

“Let’s increase the amount if we really want to help,” Cuenco said.

Labella suggested that the matter be deferred for a week while they continue to discuss and come up with a decision.  (FREEMAN)