More benefits for solo parents sought

SOLO parents will soon receive additional privileges in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Councilor Roderick Awingan who introduced the ordinance said there is a need to institutionalize and strengthen the different programs, projects and activities for the welfare of solo parents in the municipality to provide them necessary support to achieve the benefits as provided by law.

The alderman mentioned the proposed ordinance known as the La Trinidad Solo Parents Ordinance wants to localize the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000 which provides the different program services for solo parents and their children carried by different line agencies.

Moreover, Awingan added the ordinance is

in support of the enacted municipal ordinance in 2002 creating the municipal council for the welfare of solo parents.

Institutionalized projects and programs include livelihood development services, counseling services,legal assistance, SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig membership assistance.

The conduct of capability building programs within the proposed ordinance comprised of parent effectiveness seminars, critical incidence stress debriefing to assist solo parents in coping with crisis situations and cases of abuse.

Highlights of the solo parents ordinance include educational benefits such as scholarship programs, nonformal educational programs.

Awingan said a La Trinidad council for the Welfare of Solo parents be composed and serve to comprehensive and integrated plan and program for solo parents in the municipality and ensure the implementation of the ordinance.

From the 2017 updated data of MSWDO a total of 215 solo parents in La Trinidad.

The proposed measure will undergo public consultation next month to hear the suggestions and comments of the stakeholders added the councilor.