The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recognizes the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the created technical working group, and its partner agencies in ensuring the timely completion of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 11861 (RA 11861) or the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act. Signed on 30 September 2022, the IRR is envisioned to set in motion the meaningful implementation of RA 11861.
The Commission is hopeful of the swift implementation of the law to address the pressing needs of solo parents during this period of economic hardship that heavily impacts them. We also expect readiness, efficiency, and transparency from the DSWD, its partner agencies, local governments, and the business sector in providing enhanced social services, benefits, and discounts entitled to all Filipino solo parents to truly improve their plight.
RA 11861, which amends Republic Act No. 8972, gives primary consideration to low income solo parents and is generously favorable to all solo parents in keeping with the principles of social justice. Among its notable features include a PhP1,000 monthly cash subsidy for minimum wage earners and below. Those earning below PhP250,000 a year are also entitled to a 10 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax of food and milk products and nutritional supplements for their child until six years of age.
The expanded definition of solo parents in the new law is another important amendment to equally recognize the rights and needs of those who took on the role of a solo parent to a child or children who may not be biologically theirs. Other salient features of the law include additional parental leave, scholarship provision for the solo parent, one full scholarship for the child, automatic health insurance coverage, and prioritization of solo parents in job applications and free housing allocations.
CHR anticipates that the holistic services and benefits for solo parents will respond to their unique needs and help mitigate the compounding challenges that beset them especially during the current challenging times. Ultimately, investing in them will also help ensure the well-being and proper development of their children and give them equal opportunity to succeed in life. ###