Cash aid for solo parents pushed for release now

CEBU, Philippines - As the hearing on the proposed P8.9-billion annual budget for Cebu City concluded yesterday, Councilor Gerardo Carillo asked fellow  City Council members to include P40 million for the implementation of the solo parents ordinance.

The city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services included in its budget proposal the implementation of the solo parents ordinance, which gives P5,000 in cash assistance to qualified individuals.

“I am saddened by some sectors saying that the financial assistance shall be implemented in 2022 yet. Imagine the impact of the assistance we could provide these solo parents if we act now rather than wait for more years,” Carillo said.

“Picture the children of our solo parents going to school and adequately nourished, visualize a future where a solo parent is no longer overburdened with insufficient salary, and envision a strong and unbroken family. Naay community of solo parents that is self-sustaining, capable and competent,” he added.

Carillo, who authored the ordinance, said the assistance should be given now.

He delivered a privilege speech last Wednesday, a day before the City Council wrapped up its budget deliberation last Thursday.

Carillo said the University of San Carlos has conducted a survey in Cebu City with 4,832 solo parents as respondents. In the survey, 80 percent of the identified solo parents lived below the poverty threshold provided under the National Statistics Coordination Board.

“This means, that eight out of 10 Cebu City solo parents are living with an income below 5,000 per month with the average solo parent earning a salary of P1,889 per month. This fact alone should serve as a sufficient impetus to help these unfortunate souls, not as legislator, but as human being,” Carillo said.

Section 5 of City Ordinance 2395 states that the “applicant for the financial assistance must be a registered and resident voter of Cebu City who has voted in three consecutive local and national elections.”

Carillo said an initial P10 million to carry out the provisions of the ordinance, which City Councilor Sisinio Andales said should be prospective, not retroactive.

“As long as they have voted in the previous three consecutive election, they can avail of this program,” as he requested that the assistance should be enjoyed by the qualified individuals now.

“Laws that address the distinct concerns of the legitimate unit of society have become compellingly apparent nowadays. The question on whether there is a need to implement laws that benefit the people—especially the sector that is challenged and deprived— should no longer be subjected to further inquiries and debate. Rather, the glaring realities should be enough for us to act,” he said.

He promised he would not stop fighting for the implementation of the solo parent ordinance, and asked members of the City Council to leave a legacy by approving the budget for its implementation. — Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/RHM (FREEMAN)