In celebration of the first Solo Parents Week on April 17, 2023, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Rowena Nina Taduran (left), on behalf of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, awards a Certificate of Recognition to the DSWD-Central Office Solo Parents Support Group for its contribution to the advocacy of solo parents’ rights and welfare.

As the lead agency of the solo parents’ Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Committee (IACMC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) spearheaded the celebration of the first Solo Parents Week on Monday (April 17) at the DSWD Central Office.

Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act provides that the third week and third Saturday of April are declared as Solo Parents Week and National Solo Parents Day, respectively to commemorate the role and significance of every solo parent in the Philippines.

In his message, Secretary Rex Gatchalian extended his gratitude to the solo parents providing sole parental care and support to their children.

The DSWD Secretary’s message was delivered by Legislative Coordination and External Affairs Undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran.

“The Department recognizes your sacrifices to independently raise and care for your children and thus, commends you for your courage and strength to fulfill this difficult responsibility. Together with other agencies, we commit to work hand-in-hand toward the goal of achieving a just and fair society for all Filipino solo parents, their children, and their families,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

During the celebration, a Certificate of Recognition was awarded to the DSWD-Central Office Solo Parents’ Support Group in recognition of the group’s contribution to the advocacy of solo parents’ rights, specifically to the solo parent employees of the Department.

The DSWD, together with its Field Offices and the members of the IACMC, prepared a weeklong event to mark the first celebration of Solo Parents Week and to spread awareness on the strengthened and expanded law for solo parents.

RA 11861 which amended RA 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, promotes the rights of Filipino solo parents and ensures that they can receive adequate social protection programs from the government.

The DSWD is committed to overseeing the effective implementation of the law in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to secure the welfare of solo parents and to ensure that they and other vulnerable sectors are not left behind in development. #