In line with the National Women’s Month celebration, the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) XII conducted an extensive learning session on Republic Act 11861, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, on March 24, 2025, at the DILG Conference Hall, Prime Regional Center, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato. RGADC XII members, DILG XII personnel, and solo parents attended the session to discuss the expanded benefits and implementation of the law. This initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen social protection programs and ensure the effective implementation of laws that support vulnerable sectors, particularly solo parents.
RA 11861, signed into law in 2022, expanded the benefits of solo parents, many of whom are single mothers who serve as the primary providers and caregivers for their children. Key provisions of the law include expanded financial assistance for low-income solo parents earning a minimum wage or below; a 10% discount on medicine, baby products, and school supplies for qualified solo parents; an additional seven (7) days of parental leave for solo parents who have been employed for at least one year; priority access to government housing, scholarships, and livelihood assistance programs; and flexible work arrangements and protection against workplace discrimination for solo parents.
Mr. Maamon Casawa Cidic, the solo parent regional focal person of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XII, emphasized the importance of awareness and access to these benefits, saying, “RA 11861 is a crucial step in strengthening the government’s commitment to solo parents. This law ensures that they receive the support they need, from financial assistance to employment protection. Our role is to make sure that every eligible solo parent in the region knows and avails of these benefits.”
RGADC XII Chairperson/DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, urged RGADC XII members and DILG XII to integrate RA 11861 into their GAD plans, stating, “Women, especially solo mothers, carry the weight of economic, physical, and emotional responsibilities. By ensuring the proper implementation of this law, we empower them to build their careers while securing better futures for their families.” This call to action echoes the president’s directive to strengthen gender-responsive governance and ensure that policies on women’s empowerment are effectively executed at all levels of government.
During the GAD Learning Session, RGADC XII highlighted the need for stronger implementation at the local level. Discussions focused on the role of LGUs in streamlining processes for solo parents applying for IDs and benefits, the importance of Gender and Development (GAD) programs in addressing gender-specific challenges, and strengthening public-private partnerships to provide job opportunities and livelihood support. These efforts align with the President’s instruction for LGUs to enhance service accessibility and promote economic opportunities for solo parents as part of the national poverty reduction strategy.
The successful conduct of this GAD Learning Session reinforced the importance of gender-responsive policies and social protection programs. We expect RGADC XII members to intensify their efforts in educating solo parents, improving service delivery, and expanding support programs.
