‘Start giving P1,000 monthly ayuda to solo parents’

MANILA, Philippines — Saying Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act is now in effect, Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said local government units (LGUs) should start giving the monthly subsidy of P1,000 to solo parents.

At a press briefing yesterday, Tulfo said the law mandates LGUs to provide a cash assistance of P1,000 per month aside from automatic membership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to solo parents.

The law also grants solo parents exemption from value-added tax (VAT) and a 10 percent discount on purchases for child care, such as food, diapers, milk, medicine and vaccines for their children from infant to six years old.

“Inaayos pa ng Department of Finance and BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue),” Tulfo said, referring to the VAT exemption and 10 percent discount on childcare expenses.

Solo parents will also be prioritized in low-cost housing projects through the National Housing Authority, with liberal terms of payment.

They can also access scholarship programs through the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority subject to eligibility and criteria qualifications.

A child of the solo parent below 22 years old is entitled to a full scholarship program.

The law also mandates the prioritization of solo parents, particularly mothers, in reentering the workforce, and their children in apprenticeship and livelihood training, among others.

The implementing rules and regulations of the law were signed on Sept. 29.

Tulfo clarified that the expanded benefits under the new law apply only  to solo parents who earn below minimum wage.