Cagayan de Oro City – DSWD Field Office X celebrates Solo Parents Week from April 151–21, 2024, with a series of events centered around the theme, “Solo Parent na Rehistrado, sa Gobyerno Tiyak na Protektado.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11861, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, declares the third week of April as Solo Parents Week and the third Saturday as National Solo Parents Day, recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions and resilience of solo parents in our society.

Under RA 11861, qualified solo parents are entitled to various benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000.00, priority in housing projects, PhilHealth coverage, and a 10% discount and VAT exemption on essential items for children under 6 years old.

As part of our activities, we’ve set up a Solo Parent’s Help Desk at SM CDO Uptown to inform and address concerns of the public about solo parents’ welfare. Our dedicated staff validated and assessed solo parents, encouraging them to register with their local government units (LGUs) to access benefits and incentives.

We also partnered with the municipality of Lagonglong for the Solo Parents Day Celebration, organizing a range of activities including RA 11861 orientation, gardening, and taro chips and binangkal making. These endeavors aim to strengthen community bonds, providing opportunities, and support systems for solo parents.

Our Department has organized these activities to express our gratitude, raise awareness, and promote the support networks essential for solo parents to thrive and provide their children with an optimal environment.

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, we are dedicated to upholding the law’s effective implementation, safeguarding the welfare of solo parents and vulnerable sectors, leaving no one behind in our development endeavors.