Bacolod City Releases P6.2 Million Cash Aid to Empower Solo Parents
Bacolod City has distributed P6.2 million in financial aid to solo parents, providing crucial support for their children’s needs.
The city government of Bacolod has distributed P6.2 million in financial assistance to an initial batch of 521 solo parents from various barangays, in line with the implementation of Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.
According to the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), each beneficiary received a one-time lump sum payment of P12,000, which covers a monthly subsidy of P1,000 for the entire year of 2024. The financial aid aims to support solo parents in covering essential expenses related to child-rearing, such as education, healthcare, and daily living costs.
“The goal is to empower solo parents by providing them with the necessary resources to ensure the well-being and development of their children,” the city government said in a statement.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran previously announced that the city council approved a total budget allocation of P18 million to cover cash subsidies for approximately 1,500 solo parents throughout 2024.
In an interview, DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado emphasized that the financial aid program is inclusive, ensuring that all solo parents — regardless of gender — are eligible for support. This means that single fathers, not just mothers, are also entitled to the subsidy.
Under Republic Act 11861, solo parents are defined to include not only unmarried mothers and fathers raising their children alone but also parents whose spouse has died, those whose spouse has been detained for at least three months, and those whose spouse has a physical or mental incapacity as certified by a medical professional.
Legally separated parents or those whose marriage was annulled or declared null are also recognized as solo parents, provided they have been separated for at least six months. Additionally, spouses or relatives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) working abroad for at least 12 months, legal guardians, adoptive or foster parents, and pregnant women providing sole care for their unborn child are also covered under the law.
The city government’s initiative highlights its commitment to supporting solo parents and improving the welfare of their children by ensuring they have access to essential resources and financial stability.
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