Status on the Implementation of the Solo Parents Welfare Act by the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Region VII

Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parent’s Welfare Act of 2000 was passed on November 7, 2000.  The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was approved on September 7, 2003.  Under this Act, solo parents assessed and issued with solo parents identification cards (IDs) by the concerned City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) can avail of parental leave, flexible work schedule, livelihood development services, counseling services, critical incidence stress debriefing, special projects for individuals in need of protection, educational benefits, housing benefits, and medical assistance and health packages.  For five years after the approval of the IRR, there has been little information about the implementation of the law.