‘We want no one left behind’: Tanudan LGU reaches out to solo parents

The Tanudan LGU conducted an information drive which highlights rights, benefits, and services under Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act to help single parents and their families.

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Municipal Government of Tanudan is strengthening its efforts to ensure that solo parents in the municipality know their rights and can access the government services and benefits intended for them.

The local government marked this year’s Solo Parents Week through an information drive held Friday, August 14, at the Davidson Hotel in Bulanao, Tabuk City, bringing together solo parents for an orientation on their rights, benefits, and available government assistance.

The activity was attended by Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag and Vice Mayor Antonio Basungit Jr., who joined the event in support of the municipality’s solo parents.

The information drive featured lectures on Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, aimed at helping participants better understand the benefits and services they may avail of under the law.

Under the law, solo parents may include individuals raising their children alone due to circumstances such as the death of a spouse, abandonment, separation, having a spouse who is an overseas Filipino worker with low income, or being an unmarried parent, among other qualifying conditions.

Ensuring no solo parent is left behind

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Violy Awingan emphasized that the Tanudan LGU wants every qualified solo parent in the municipality to be informed about and able to access the assistance and services provided under RA 11861.

“Today we will learn more from our resource speakers, from partner agencies about this Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act—the rights, benefits, and services available to our parents with sole caregiving responsibilities. Our goal is to make sure that everyone is informed, supported, and are able to access the services meant for you under this law,” Awingan said.

She stressed that awareness is an important first step in ensuring that solo parents can claim the benefits and assistance available to them.

‘Doble iti trabaho’

Meanwhile, Municipal Councilor Lourdes Masa-ao, chair of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family, recognized the sacrifices of solo parents and assured them of the Sangguniang Bayan’s support for programs that can improve their welfare and help them raise their children.

“Dakayo nga solo parents, congratulations for your sacrifices, nagrigat kaya iti solo parent ka… talaga nga nagrigat nga trabaho daytoy, doble iti trabaho idiay balay, doble iti trabaho iti outside, sika amin,” Masa-ao said.

Her message highlighted the strength and resilience of solo parents who carry the responsibility of providing for and raising their children, often while managing responsibilities traditionally shared by two parents.

The Tanudan LGU said the activity forms part of its continuing effort to bring government programs closer to solo parents and ensure that those who qualify under the law are not left unaware of the assistance available to them.

Beyond celebrating Solo Parents Week, the activity served as a reminder that solo parents do not have to navigate their responsibilities alone—the government has programs and services intended to support them, and knowing how to access these benefits is an important step toward securing a better future for their families.