Kalinga SP unanimously approves Lubuagan’s solo parents ordinance

Tabuk City, Kalinga – An ordinance institutionalizing support programs for solo parents in the municipality of Lubuagan has been unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga.

During its 26th regular session on April 14, the Provincial Board deliberated on Ordinance No. 11, series of 2025, which seeks to formalize and fund programs intended for solo parents and their children in Lubuagan.

The measure, titled “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Programs, Services, Privileges, and Benefits for Solo Parents and Their Children, and Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes Pursuant to Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents Act of 2000,” aims to strengthen local support mechanisms in line with national policies.

Earlier, the proposed ordinance underwent review by the Committee on Rules and Ethics and the Committee on Health and Sanitation, chaired by Board Members Christopher Donaal and Alfredo Dangani, respectively.

The committees assessed its legal basis and relevance and found the measure to be consistent with Republic Act No. 7160, Republic Act No. 11861, and Republic Act No. 8972.

Under these laws, solo parents are entitled to various benefits, including parental leave, flexible work arrangements, educational assistance, health services, livelihood support, housing privileges, and, in some cases, discounts and cash subsidies, as well as priority access to government services.

With these findings, the committees endorsed the measure for final approval, which the Sangguniang Panlalawigan granted on April 14.

Present during the 26th SP session were Presiding Officer Vice Governor Dave Odiem and Board Members Emilio Kitongan, Julius Amla, Christopher Donaal, Alfredo Dangani, Romeo Saclag, Roger Saga-oc, Jerome Chester Alunday, Bernard Glenn Dao-as, Marc Rainier Duguiang, IPMR Michael Karel Sugguiyao, and ABC President Jose Rey Jambaro II.