Proposed solo parent aid applies to mothers or fathers — Dizon

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon is pushing for additional benefits and privileges for solo parents — whether mothers or fathers.

In a public hearing yesterday, Dizon’s proposed ordinance entitled Solo Parents’ Discounts and Incentives Ordinance of Cebu City, pursuant to RA 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, was tackled.

Dizon said RA 9872 declares it as a state policy “to promote the family as the foundation of the nation, strengthen its solidarity and ensure its total development. Towards this end, it shall develop a comprehensive program of services for solo parents and their children.”

Dizon said solo parents and their children can only avail of or fully enjoy what are due them under the law if an effective local mechanism is created to address accessibility issue.

“Under the ordinance dunay definition sa solo parent which is also ato gikuha sa NEDA or national law. We are here promoting gender quality, dili lang pud babae,” said Dizon.

“Kadto mo-abuse mga privileges and benefits as provided for in the ordinance, naa pud tay section ana na pwede ma-penalize,” he added.

Emalyn Aliviano, spokesperson of Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya, speaking on behalf of a women’s organization, said that they support the proposed ordinance.

Alviano said that they are requesting designated agencies like DSWS, which has the list of the registered solo parents, to fast-track the registration.

“Please continue to look after your constituents that are marginalized for this not only impact the women, but also the vendors who mostly are solo parents,” said Alviano.

RA 9872 provides social development and welfare services, such as livelihood, self-employment and skills development, employment-related benefits, educational, health, and housing services for solo parents and their families.

The proposed ordinance commits to provide additional benefits and privileges to solo parents and their children through partnership with the private sector in order to alleviate the plight of solo parents and their children and promote, advance and protect their rights and welfare.

Section 5 of the proposed ordinance states the following additional benefits and privileges: discount of goods and services; priority lane; preferential treatment to indigent solo parents and celebration of solo parents and their children day.

The proposed ordinance covers all solo parents who are residents of Cebu City and all commercial establishments within the city’s territorial jurisdiction.  JMD (FREEMAN)