In observance of Solo Parents Week from April 21 to 26, 2025, the DSWD Field Office 7 held the Regional Solo Parents Day Celebration on April 15, 2025, in Cebu City. The event brought together focal persons and Federations presidents from various provincial and city local government units across the region, including Negros Island Region (NIR).

A key highlight of the summit was a presentation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) implementation guidelines of Republic Act No. 1161, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

The discussion emphasized the role of local government units, particularly their local social welfare and development offices, in strengthening advocacy efforts and support for the solo parent sector.

According to Daisy C. Lor, the Focal Person for the Family Welfare Sector of DSWD 7, local government units must strengthen their efforts to increase the number of registrants in the Solo Parent Registry Database, ensure the timely issuance of Solo Parent IDs, and facilitate annual renewals.

“We also need to capacitate our partner LGUs, through their Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDO), to intensify advocacy efforts—particularly on the

issuance of the IDs and the distribution of a booklet that will guide solo parents in accessing their benefits and privileges,” she added.

The summit also aims to guide focal persons on the privileges and benefits available to the sector provided by the Republic Act 11861. This includes the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) coverage and access to programs and services offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Some LGUs have already started implementing this provision, as it is a requirement. However, there are still those that have yet to comply. That’s why we are urging our partner LGUs to allocate an annual budget to support the needs of the solo parent sector,” Lor emphasized.

The observance of Solo Parents Week is a tribute to their roles and noble sacrifices in raising their children alone and a reminder of their responsibility to avail of the benefits they are entitled to.

“In partnership with LGUs, we continuously urge solo parents to take the necessary steps for their inclusion on the official registry—this means securing a Solo Parent ID. Equally important is their participation in local seminars and orientations to better understand their rights and responsibilities,” the focal person emphasized.

As of March 2025, the Regional Solo Parents Registry records 31,592 registered solo parents in Central Visayas. ###

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