The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Romblon has institutionalized the provincial government’s P1,000 monthly cash assistance program for solo parents, ensuring financial support for qualified beneficiaries across the province’s 17 municipalities.
This was announced by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Bing Solis following the approval of an ordinance she authored, which allocates funding for the program. The ordinance aligns with Republic Act 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which amends Republic Act 8972.
SP Member Solis emphasized the importance of the program, stating that by ensuring the law provides the necessary financial assistance, healthcare, and social services, the burden on solo parents is eased.
“By ensuring that the law provides the necessary financial assistance, healthcare, and social services, we ease the burden on solo parents, empower them in their role, and improve the quality of life for their families. Maliit man na tulong para sa iba ang P1,000 per month, para sa isang qualified na solo parent, nakakasiguro akong makakatulong pa rin ito at maramdaman din nila na parte sila ng ating lipunan,” according to Solis.
Romblon is the only province in the MIMAROPA region implementing such a program for solo parents, demonstrating its commitment to supporting vulnerable families.
Under the ordinance, solo parents must register at the Solo Parents Office in their respective municipalities to obtain an ID and a booklet.
Once registered, they will receive a notification for payout if they meet the eligibility criteria. Qualified beneficiaries are those earning below the minimum wage in MIMAROPA, who are not beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the DSWD, do not receive a similar cash subsidy from their local government unit, and are not recipients of a survivorship pension from Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, or Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
The Provincial Government of Romblon began releasing pensions to solo parents early this year for the July to December 2024 payouts. The assistance is being distributed through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and is funded by the Gender and Development Fund. The initial payouts have already been given to beneficiaries in Alcantara, Banton, Cajidiocan, Calatrava, Concepcion, Corcuera, Ferrol, Looc, Magdiwang, Odiongan, Romblon, San Agustin, San Andres, San Fernando, and San Jose.
According to the data provided to Romblon News Network, there are currently 2,196 registered solo parents in the province, with 1,736 earning below the minimum wage and 309 unemployed.
(UPDATE: As of February 20, 2025)
