Basics of Single Parenthood in the Philippines
It's just appropriate that I begin by writing an informative blog post about single parenthood in my country. I will try my very best to give a non-emotional take on this so we can directly go to the basic needs, rights and benefits. 🇸🇽
If like me, your spouse or other parent of the kids does not support you and the kids financially (of course it is given that he/she is physically and emotionally absent as well 💩), these are the items that will be most helpful to your colorful journey as a Filipino Solo Parent. 🌟
1. First order of business is to read and understand PHL Republic Act 8972 (click the link below!):
-Because I love this RA so much, I noted some points that many might have missed:
a. SOLO Parent does not only apply to biological parents with sole responsibility raising a child. It also applies to anyone who became head of the family due to loss or abandonment of parents.
b. For non-working solo parents or any working solo parent below poverty line, you can reach out to NEDA for assessment so you can maximize your rights and benefits.
c. For working solo-parents, benefits include flexible work arrangements and additional 7 out of office days (solo parent leaves) on top of the annual leaves
2. Once you understand the RA, you now must complete your requirements to process the Solo Parent ID. So based on my experience, here's a step by step guide:
a. Complete and make a your requirements on hand: (😇 We all know the frustration of going there, lining up and then being told to go back when requirements are complete. 😤)
-Birth Certificates of child/children;
-2pcs 1x1 and 2pcs 2x2 photos;
-Government ID of solo parent;
-Certificate of employment if you are employed
-2 signatures of witnesses who will testify that you are solo parent. Catch is, that those 2 signatures should belong to people outside of your household and are not your relatives. 😉
b. Secure your Barangay Certificate: Go to your barangay with your 2 witnesses and they will give you a form to fill out. In my experience, witnesses have to be there physically to sign and they did not allow me to just take the form home and fill it out but it's a lucky break that we know people also in the barangay hall that time that can attest of my single parenthood so they became my witnesses. 😅 TAT is 1-2 business days.
c. Once you have the Barangay certificate, you are ready to bring all your requirements to the DSWD office of your local City Hall. TAT for the ID is a week in my experience. They can provide an interim certificate if you need it urgently.
d. Practice the rights and benefits for you and your kiddos. 🙌🏽
3. Now that you are a legit and registered solo parent, you have a government issued document that you can present whenever needed. Personally, I use it for my kids' school. Philippine schools usually asks students or parents to fill out the form with details of mother and father. We, solo parents, are both. This way, teachers are aware that not all students have standard family set up and discrimination or prejudice can be avoided.
4. Government agencies that can help super parents when we need them are: local DILG (barangay), DSWD, Ched, Tesda, DECS, DOH, NHA and my favorite, DOLE.
Those are the basics. Once you know all that, you are off to your colorful journey as solo parent. We all want to do our best efforts for our kids and for their future and sharing what we know and our best practices can definitely improve their chances. :)
