BACOLOD City — A total of 1,500 solo parents in this city recently received cash assistance amounting to P9 million, representing the second-half subsidy for 2025 from the city government.
The subsidy is part of the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022, and City Ordinance (CO) No. 1041, series of 2023, which amended Section 4 of CO No. 550, the city’s Solo Parents Programs and Services Ordinance.
Section 15 of RA 11861 provides a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for solo parents earning minimum wage and below, to be allocated by the concerned city or municipal government in accordance with Section 17(b)(2)(iv) of the Local Government Code.
Under the city’s locally funded program, each registered solo parent beneficiary received P6,000, covering the period from July to December 2025. The assistance is separate from the national aid extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The payout, implemented by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), was conducted in two batches to ensure a smooth and orderly distribution. The first 750 beneficiaries received their subsidies on February 16, at the Villamonte Gym, while the remaining 750 claimed their assistance on February 18.
The latest release follows the first tranche distributed in October 2025, which covered the January to June period. The city government adopted a two-semester payout scheme to provide consistent financial support to solo-headed households.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the program underscores the city’s commitment to assisting vulnerable sectors, particularly solo parents who bear the responsibility of raising their families on their own.
“These subsidies are an important part of our efforts to ensure all Bacolodnons have access to support when they need it,” the mayor said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that it would help ease daily expenses and address urgent family needs.
Allen Barrientos, 53, a tricycle driver and father of two, said the subsidy would help cover his children’s needs and finance repairs for his tricycle unit. He also encouraged fellow solo parents to use the aid responsibly.
“My message to my fellow solo parents is to always take the best possible care of our children and give them all the love they deserve. Regarding this assistance, I remind everyone to spend it wisely and allot it only for useful things and our family’s daily necessities,” he said.
While the second-half 2025 distribution has been completed, the schedule for the 2026 subsidy remains under review. The DSSD is currently processing requirements for next year’s coverage, with further details to be announced once finalized./PN
