Expanding Benefits for Lone Parents by Mabalacat Mayor Announced
Mabalacat City, under the leadership of Mayor Gerald Guttrie "Geld" Aquino, is currently expanding its financial assistance programs for solo parents. The mayor has reaffirmed his commitment to broaden the scope of aid to better support solo parents in the city, though specific expanded benefits and eligibility criteria have yet to be fully detailed in the latest reports.
Solo parents in Mabalacat City who wish to avail of these expanded programs must meet certain eligibility criteria, similar to those typically required for solo parent assistance in the Philippines. These criteria generally include being a solo parent, having proof of solo parent status, residency in Mabalacat City, and having a low income or vulnerable socio-economic background.
To access these financial assistance programs, solo parents must follow a registration process. This involves obtaining a Solo Parent ID through the city's social welfare and development office (CSWDO) or designated local government unit (LGU) office, submitting an application for assistance, and undergoing evaluation and approval by the CSWDO. Approved applicants then receive financial aid, which may cover tuition, allowances, livelihood programs, or emergency assistance.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also encourages solo parents to apply and update their Solo Parent IDs to access various services, indicating a coordinated effort nationally to support solo parents.
Mayor Aquino's expansion is aimed to enhance these existing avenues to provide more substantial and accessible benefits for solo parents, reflecting an ongoing commitment to improving welfare provisions at the local level. Solo parents in Mabalacat City are advised to check directly with the Mabalacat City Social Welfare and Development Office or official city announcements as more comprehensive guidelines are expected to be released soon.
Notably, Mabalacat City is the first in Region III to implement subsidies for solo parents, and the city government is urging solo parents who are not yet registered to coordinate with the CSWDO to avail of subsidy programs and other benefits under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act. The city government recognizes the significant role of solo parents and has expressed a desire to increase the number of solo parents receiving financial assistance next year.
On Thursday, the City Social Welfare and Development Office distributed Quarter 2 subsidies of P3,000 to 200 solo parents at Jade Hall, Xevera, in Barangay Tabun. Editha Tuazon Cabalera, president of the Mabalacat City Federation of Solo Parents, expressed gratitude to the city for its efforts in providing aid to solo parents. Josephine Tanglao, head of CSWDO, emphasized the city government's ongoing commitment to supporting solo parents in Mabalacat City.
- In line with the ongoing expansion of financial assistance programs, the Mabalacat City government, under Mayor Aquino, might consider extending aid to single parents in health-and-wellness initiatives, given the importance of promoting wellness for all city residents, especially solo parents.
- To further support solo parents in Mabalacat City, the government could explore partnerships with science and educational institutions to offer scholarships or access to resources that help empower these individuals in parenting and career development, enhancing their ability to provide for their families sustainably.
