Shoutout sa mga solo parents diyan! Nak, ano ulam?
True enough, solo parenting comes with its own set of challenges. But the good thing is that Mandaue City is stepping up to provide much-needed financial relief.
A new ordinance is in the works to grant eligible solo parents a PHP 1,000 monthly cash subsidy, totaling PHP 12,000 annually.
This initiative is designed to help lighten the financial load of raising children alone while ensuring that solo parents have access to basic necessities and opportunities.
A Bold Step Toward Financial Support
Mandaue City Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, the chairperson of the Committee on Social Service, has spearheaded the Solo Parents P1,000 Monthly Cash Subsidy Allowance Ordinance.
This measure, which passed the first reading, is expected to gain final approval soon with the backing of multiple council members.
The ordinance aligns with the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861), which ensurest that solo parents receive financial aid to support their children’s education, healthcare, and daily needs.
With an estimated 900 to 1,000 registered solo parents in the city, this initiative aims to make financial support more accessible to Mandauehanons.
How Will the Subsidy Work?
Once the ordinance is fully approved, the PHP 12,000 annual subsidy will be disbursed in two tranches.
The First tranche will allocate PHP 6,000 in June. Meanwhile, the Second tranche will be the remaining PHP 6,000 in November.
This system ensures that solo parents receive consistent support without overwhelming city resources at once. The city government has allocated PHP 1 million per month for the program, ensuring its sustainability.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the subsidy, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a registered solo parent in Mandaue City with completed documentary requirements under RA 11861.
- Have been validated as a solo parent for the calendar year.
- Have an income at or below the poverty threshold, as determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
- Be a resident of any of Mandaue’s 27 barangays, certified by the barangay chairperson.
- Be a registered voter in Mandaue City and have participated in the last two elections.
- Not be receiving any other government financial assistance, except for senior citizen and PWD benefits.
How to Avail the Subsidy?
Solo parents who meet the criteria must submit the following documents:
- Duly accomplished claim form
- Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC)
- Certificate of attendance from a solo parent orientation seminar
- Barangay-issued certificate of residency
- Affidavit from two disinterested persons verifying residency
- Voter’s registration record
- Certificate of no employment or BIR Form No. 2316 for employed individuals
- Social case study report prepared by the City Social Welfare and Services
Solo parents who transfer to another city must secure a Certificate of Change of Residence to continue receiving benefits.
However, once a solo parent remarries, their eligibility for the subsidy will end.
Additional Perks for Solo Parents
Even if a solo parent does not qualify for the PHP 1,000 subsidy, they can still access other benefits through their Solo Parent ID.
These benefits include a 10% discount at select stores and a 20% discount at partner educational institutions.
Councilor Lumapas emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Raising a child, especially one in school, is no easy task. We hope this P1,000 monthly aid provides some relief to solo parents who need it the most.”
A Brighter Future for Solo Parents in Mandaue
This proposed ordinance only shows Mandaue City’s commitment to social welfare and community support.
By acknowledging the financial struggles of solo parents and offering tangible assistance, the city is creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for families.
With the expected approval of this measure, solo parents can look forward to a future with fewer financial worries and greater opportunities for themselves and their children.
How about you? Are you looking forward to applying for this subsidy?
