The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently announced a significant update under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861). Spouses of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) working abroad for at least one continuous year, particularly in low to semi-skilled job categories, are now considered solo parents.
This recognition grants them access to numerous benefits and privileges provided by the law, a progressive move to acknowledge the challenges these individuals face while raising children in the absence of their partners.
Expanded Definition of Solo Parents
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act broadens the definition of what it means to be a solo parent. According to Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD, apart from abandonment, annulment, or the death of a partner, this new provision aims to capture the realities of modern family setups. Spouses of OFWs who take sole responsibility for their children, despite receiving financial support, qualify if the absence of the OFW parent lasts for a year or more. This inclusivity ensures that their struggles of balancing work, caregiving, and household responsibilities are formally recognized.
This amendment also applies to legal guardians, pregnant women solely supporting their child, and relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity who provide sole care for a child. These efforts reflect the law’s intent to adapt to societal changes and protect vulnerable families.
Benefits and Privileges Under RA 11861
Solo parents now have access to tangible support systems designed to ease their burdens. Those earning minimum wage or less qualify for a monthly cash subsidy of ₱1,000 from their local government units (LGUs). They also enjoy automatic enrollment in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) under PhilHealth, providing essential healthcare coverage for both parent and child.
Solo parents earning below ₱250,000 per year are entitled to significant discounts, including a 10% reduction on essential items like infant food, milk, vitamins, and sanitary products until their child turns six years old. Additionally, they are prioritized in housing programs, job opportunities, and can avail themselves of scholarships and other educational support from DepEd, CHED, or TESDA.
Key Benefits
- Monthly cash subsidy of PHP1,000 for low-income solo parents.
- Automatic coverage under PhilHealth’s health insurance.
- 10% discount and VAT exemption on child essentials (milk, food, medicines) for incomes under PHP250,000.
- Priority in housing allocation programs.
- Access to scholarships and educational programs for children.
- Eligibility for livelihood and workforce development programs.
- Solo parent ID granting access to rights and benefits.
Registration Process for Solo Parent Benefits
To avail of these benefits, eligible solo parents need to register with their respective municipalities’ social welfare and development offices. Unlike other programs managed centrally by the DSWD, the issuance of a Solo Parent ID—which is renewable annually—is handled at the LGU level. This process ensures localized administration and accessibility of services while helping LGUs cater resources directly to eligible families.
Implications for Families of OFWs
This recognition is a timely acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by both OFWs and their spouses. By classifying these individuals as solo parents, the law not only provides much-needed support but also highlights the vital roles they play in childcare and household management while their partners work overseas. These changes aim to alleviate the emotional, physical, and financial challenges faced by those left to take on dual parenting responsibilities.
The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act showcases the government’s commitment to inclusive policy-making, ensuring no parent’s struggles are overlooked. For spouses of OFWs, this recognition brings more than just benefits; it affirms their resilience and dedication to raising strong, healthy families, despite the miles separating them from their partners.