BACOLOD CITY – This highly-urbanized city recently disbursed P6,000 cash aid each totaling P5.6 million to 936 solo parents as part of the city government’s Solo Parents Welfare Program.
Each beneficiary P1,000 per month from January to June 2025 during the distribution at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby.
Spearheaded by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the initiative aims to bolster support systems for solo parents and improve the quality of life for their families.
The city has earmarked P18 million for the program this year. The DSSD conducts yearly evaluations to ensure that only eligible solo parents receive support.
DSSD head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado said they were the first batch of beneficiaries for this year.
An additional 564 solo parents are currently undergoing validation for the next round of assistance.
Assistance is delivered both through barangay visits and directly at the DSSD office which emphasized the need for ongoing coordination with barangay social workers for proper identification, assessment, and monitoring.
Last March, the DSSD provided P12,000 each to 521 solo parents under the previous year’s program.
Verdeprado reaffirmed the city’s commitment to fully implement Republic Act 11861, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.
“More than assistance, we are building an empowered, supportive community where solo parents can thrive and feel that they are not alone,” she said.
Meanwhile, 15 solo parents with first-year college students enrolled in private institutions have been included in the Public Employment Service Office’s (PESO) scholarship program.
PESO head Jovelyn Canoy said each student will receive P10,000 in tuition aid paid directly to their schools, along with a P3,000 allowance.
The program aligns with the national initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which upholds the rights and welfare of solo parents facing diverse life circumstances.
Under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, they are entitled to financial assistance, educational aid, and access to social protection services.