SAN JOSE, Antique – Forty-nine solo parents working at the provincial government here were briefed about their rights and privileges.
Diwata Dagumanpan, solo parent program in-charge of the Social Welfare and Development provincial office, said on Wednesday that this was the first time solo parents employed at the provincial government – permanent or job order – were gathered.
“There are still many solo parents who are not aware of their rights and privileges so this orientation is conducted,” Dagumanpan added.
She said Republic Act 8972, the law which provides benefits and privileges to solo parents and their children was passed on July 2000 yet many solo parents were unaware of it.
“One of the benefits of the solo parents is the extended maternity leave which is 120 days,” she added.
“When they apply for their passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs, they no longer have to register online but that they could walk-in,” Dagumanpan said.
She added solo parents need to apply for the solo parent identification card at their respective municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices.
There are several categories in which a person is considered a solo parent, such as a woman who gave birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity – even without the final conviction of the offender and parent left solo or alone due to the death of spouse or due to physical and/or mental incapacity of the spouse.(With a report from PNA/PN)
