Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera (Rep. Herrera's office)

Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera highlighted on Sunday, Sept. 29 the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development's (DHSUD) vow that solo parents would continue to receive priority access to the government’s socialized housing program. 

"I am glad to confirm that solo parents remain a priority in the government’s socialized housing program. This assurance is crucial for one of the most vulnerable sectors of our society," Herrera said. 

Herrera, a deputy minority leader, was able to secure such commitment during her interpellation of Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco, the DHSUD budget sponsor, in last week's House plenary debates on the P6.352-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2025. 

“Access to safe, secure, and affordable housing is essential for solo parents, and it directly impacts the well-being of their children,” added the lady solon, also a single mom. 

Herrera, dubbed as “Solon ng Soloista,” underscored the importance of enforcing Republic Act (RA) No. 8972, or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, specifically its provision on housing benefits. 

Section 10 of the Act mandates that solo parents, particularly those living below the poverty line, be given priority in government housing projects with more favorable terms of payment. 

Herrera emphasized that the DHSUD’s commitment aligns with this legal provision, ensuring that solo parents continue to benefit from this prioritization. 

"While this assurance is a positive step, I will continue to monitor the implementation of these housing benefits to ensure that they are fully realized. It is our responsibility to ensure that the government’s promises translate into concrete support for solo parents," Herrera added. 

Through Tiangco, the DHSUD reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing solo parents as beneficiaries of socialized housing projects for 2025, in accordance with housing laws that give precedence to those living below the poverty line, as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 

In addition to housing, Herrera called for a broader range of support for solo parents through healthcare, education, and livelihood programs. 

“Providing housing is just one aspect. We must ensure that solo parents have access to the resources they need to uplift their families and create a better future for their children," Herrera said.