𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
To strengthen support for solo parents and ensure the full implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, the Cebu Provincial Government, through the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, has approved an ordinance establishing a dedicated office for solo parents in the province.
Authored by Provincial Board Member Nilo Seno and co-authored by Board Members Lakambini Reluya and Paz Rozgoni, the measure is titled the “Cebu Province Solo Parents Affairs Office Ordinance,” also known as the CP-SPAO Ordinance.
Under the ordinance, the Cebu Province Solo Parents Affairs Office (CP-SPAO) will be created under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and will operate under the direct supervision of the Provincial Governor.
The ordinance cited that many solo parents remain unaware of the benefits and protections provided under RA 8972, which has largely remained unimplemented since its enactment in 2000. This was attributed to the absence of a strong institutional mechanism to ensure the effective execution of laws and ordinances aimed at advancing the welfare of solo parents.
Based on 2024 data from the PSWDO, a total of 18,486 solo parents are currently registered in Cebu Province, highlighting the need for a specialized office to address their concerns and promote their rights.
The localization of RA 8972 through the establishment of CP-SPAO is expected to facilitate the social integration of solo parents, help eliminate the stigma surrounding single parenthood, and provide a formal body to represent and advocate for their interests. The office will also ensure that solo parents are not deprived of the rights, benefits, and privileges guaranteed to them under the law.
The measure further aligns with Republic Act No. 11861, which amended RA 8972 and strengthened its provisions by expanding benefits and privileges for solo parents and their children. RA 11861 was signed into law on June 4, 2022.
Through this ordinance, the Cebu Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusive governance and protecting the welfare of solo parents across the province. /CAPITOL PIO
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