Measure puts priority on solo mothers

CEBU, Philippines – Single mothers and women are the first on the list of residents to be prioritized for livelihood assistance and employment if the proposed local measure will be approved in Talisay City.

City Councilor Aldin Diaz, chairman of the city's Committee on Labor, Trade and Industry, said he is filing an ordinance that mandates all business establishments to prioritize Talisaynon single mothers in granting livelihood assistance and in employment hiring.

Diaz said the city government adheres to the declared policy of the state as provided in Section 2 of Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000.

Diaz said the city shall assist to the single parents in the raising of their families and in providing their children a better future.

"There is a need for the City of Talisay to enact an ordinance which will institutionalize appropriate programs and services for solo parents and their children in the City of Talisay," Diaz said in his proposed measure.

The local measure is expected to be discussed in today's council session.

In his proposed ordinance, the single parents are those 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.

Diaz said he observed that the adverse effects of the economic crises continue to burden the people, especially the unemployed and under-employed poor people in the city, but those who suffered most are the solo parents and their children.

"In the City of Talisay, the number of single parents are expected to be substantial and must be attended to if the city is serious in avoiding the consequences of single parenthood such as poverty, lack of employment, children deprived of education and juvenile delinquents," he added.

Section 4 of the proposed ordinance says single parents shall have the priority in the grant of livelihood assistance under any of the city's applicable programs or projects, subject to the qualification requirements under existing ordinance, rule and regulation.

Also, the single parents will be given priority by all Talisay City business establishments in their job application as long as they meet the qualifications required.

In order to avail of the privileges, a proof of membership and entitlement issued by the City Social Welfare and Development Office shall be presented by the single parent to avail of the livelihood assistance granted under this ordinance.