In this article you will find out what are the benefits and privileges of having a Solo Parent ID base in the Philippine law, a Single Parent Act.
Rearing children alone is a great responsibility. According to surveys conducted by the National Statistics Office, there are almost 4 million solo parents in the country. This is the reason why the national government had passed the RA 8972 also known as Single Parent act or Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.
The difficulty of being a solo parent was alleviated through this act. The Solo Parent Welfare Act includes comprehensive services not only for solo parent but also for the children. This covers mothers and fathers regardless of the status and who raise their children alone.
There are different reasons of being a solo parent, it is either because of abandonment, death of spouse, separation or having a child as a result of rape. People who look after children not their own such as nieces, nephews or godchildren are also covered by this act.
How to obtain a solo parent ID?
Anyone who is eligible and qualifies to receive the benefits of solo parent act must secure a solo parent ID. The following documents should be presented to the Local Social Welfare and Development Office:
- Barangay certification certifying residency in the barangay for at least six months
- Any document that will show the income of the solo parent applicant or an Income tax Return
The social welfare will check the documents and once verified a case number will be assigned to the applicant in the Registry of Solo Parents logbook. Then, a solo parent ID will be issued that is valid for one year and should be renewed annually.
Benefits of Working Solo Parent
RA 8972 is really a great help for those working solo parent as it requires the employers to implement the employment-related benefits.
- Flexible work schedule – A working solo parent should be given the benefit of flexible work schedule provided that it wouldn’t affect the core work hours and productivity.
- No work discrimination – There’s should be no discrimination regarding the employment’s terms and conditions.
- Parental leave – A solo parent should be granted a parental leave to perform parental responsibilities and duties as required. To avail the parental leave benefits, the working solo parent should have rendered services for at least a year.
Through the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act, rearing a child alone isn’t anymore a huge problem. All you have to do is visit the nearest Social Welfare and Development Office in your area and inquire how you can avail such benefits and privileges.