INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched a program to train and support single parents in their effort to raise children on their own.
According to the DSWD, the Strengthening Opportunities for Lone Parents program, or Program SOLo. will include parent-child intervention and psychological and emotional support for the single parents.
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Assistant Social Welfare Secretary Ada Colico on Thursday (Feb. 15) said the program “introduces innovations” in these areas:
—Emotional support
—Alternative care arrangements for children or dependents
—Countering stigma and discrimination
“Personally, I know solo parents will do everything for their children, they dedicate their entire life to their children, to make a better future for them,” said Social Welfare Undersecretary Edu Punay.
“We are here to support you and I know for a fact that this program will benefit our solo parents and ultimately, their children,” Punay said.
The DSWD and the local government of Lapu-Lapu City also signed a memorandum of agreement for the program’s pilot launch in the province.
Covered by the program will be single parents with two to three non-working children below 22 years old, those living near their families and those in other categories in Republic Act 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.
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