Single parents get free train rides

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Single parents may take the MRT 3 and LRT 2 for free during certain hours on Saturday in celebration of the National Solo Parents’ Week.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Department of Transportation, said that it will provide free train rides to solo parents from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The country observes the National Solo Parents’ Week from April 21 to April 26.

Those wanting to avail of the one-day perk need to present their solo parent identification cards provided by the DSWD.

The registration of solo parents needs to be renewed yearly, according to the agency.

READ: MRT-3 offers free rides for solo parents on April 26

DSWD provides services and cash aid to solo parents earning minimum wage or lower, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 and tax exemption on certain purchases, as provided by Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act.

The agency defines solo parents as one of the following: a woman who survived an abuse and chose to rear her child; a parent who was left alone by the spouse due to death, incarceration, legal separation, or physical incapacity; an unmarried person who kept one’s child; or a family member who had to take over as head of family due to unexpected circumstances.—KATHLEEN DE VILLA