Over 1,000 solo parents benefited from gov’t interventions last year —DSWD
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 1,302 solo parents were provided with medical, burial, transportation, food, and cash relief assistance in the year 2025 through the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) fund. This was relayed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Protective Services Division Chief Jessie Catherine Aranas during the Kapihan sa PIA on April 21, as part of the Solo Parents Week celebration.
“The AICS is one of the programs of DSWD, which aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable sectors, with solo parents being among them. And we also offer livelihood programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which helps our solo parents earn their own income through financial and material resources as their start-up capital,” said Aranas.
More than 13,000 solo parents are now registered in the Caraga region, underscoring both the scale of the sector and the urgent need for government support. Data from DSWD Caraga show that 83.77% (10,990) of solo parents earn below minimum wage or have no income, highlighting their financial vulnerability. Employment data further indicates that 3,200 remain unemployed, while many rely on self-employment or low-paying jobs.
The DSWD emphasized that solo parents are among the most economically challenged sectors in Caraga. Their limited income often hampers access to healthcare, education, and basic needs, making them highly dependent on government aid. Vulnerable groups include 1,263 senior citizens and 176 persons with disabilities (PWDs), further stressing the need for inclusive support.
Marina Iting, a 56-year-old house helper and solo parent in Butuan City, shared her struggles of raising her minor children on her own. “It’s very hard to take on the role of both mother and father to my children, especially as an employee earning minimum wage. That is why I was happy when I found the programs and services for solo parents. I will try to visit the DSWD office soon to check if I can apply for their assistance.”
The DSWD has reiterated its high regard for solo parents, ensuring that policies and programs under Republic Act No. 11861, otherwise known as the Expanded Solo Parent Welfare Act, are implemented across the region. “Out of 73 local government units (LGUs), 32 are already providing cash subsidies for solo parents, while four LGUs in Dinagat Islands have established Solo Parent divisions,” Aranas expounded.
To further strengthen welfare programs, the Unified Solo Parent Database System will be rolled out in 2026, enabling better coordination among agencies and ensuring that solo parents can easily access benefits and privileges.
Resolutions passed in 2025–2026 include spot-check monitoring tools, inter-agency sectoral attendance tracking, and orientations for business establishments on discounts and VAT exemptions for qualified solo parents. The creation of a Regional Federation of Solo Parents also ensures that their voices are represented in policymaking and program implementation.
By institutionalizing these measures, the government affirms its commitment to uplifting solo parents, recognizing their struggles, and ensuring they are not left behind in the pursuit of equitable social development. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from DSWD Caraga)
