DEPUTY Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera has called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and local government units (LGUs) to intensify their information campaign about the Solo Parent ID and its associated benefits.

Herrera, hailed as “solon ng soloista” for championing single parents’ welfare, emphasized leveraging social media to ensure solo parents are aware of and can access available support.

“Being a solo parent comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. It is imperative that solo parents are informed about the resources and benefits they are entitled to through the Solo Parent ID,” Herrera said.

“I urge the DSWD, PSA, and LGUs to step up their efforts in spreading awareness and facilitating the application process, particularly through social media platforms where information dissemination can be widespread and immediate,” she added.

The Solo Parent ID, provided by the DSWD under Republic Act (RA) 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act, grants access to various government programs and services designed to assist solo parents and their children.

Benefits include flexible work schedules, parental leave, educational assistance, price reductions, and cash subsidies.

To secure a Solo Parent ID, the first step is to confirm eligibility by ensuring that the applicant meets the criteria set by the DSWD.

Solo parents include those who have experienced the death of a spouse, legal separation, annulment, or other qualifying circumstances as defined under RA 8972.

Next, gather the necessary documents such as proof of status as a solo parent, proof of income, proof of residency, and proof of custody.

Once all the required documents have been gathered, visit the nearest DSWD office or check their official website for the application form.

Fill out the form, attach the required documents, and submit the application. Some LGUs offer online application options for convenience.

Having a Solo Parent ID provides numerous benefits, including flexible work schedules where employers are encouraged to accommodate solo parents’ parental responsibilities.

Solo parents are also entitled to seven days of parental leave per year, scholarships and grants for their children’s education, discounts on various items at drug stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and similar establishments, and an additional monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for eligible solo parents earning the minimum wage.

“The Solo Parent ID is not just a card; it is a lifeline that provides essential support to solo parents struggling to balance their responsibilities,” Herrera pointed out. “We must ensure that every solo parent knows how to obtain this ID and fully utilize its benefits to improve their quality of life.”

Herrera’s advocacy aims to bridge the information gap and ensure that solo parents receive the support they deserve.

With a concerted effort from the DSWD, PSA, and LGUs, more solo parents can be empowered to access these benefits.