Talisay's single parents advised to join grouping

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Social Welfare Office (SWO) yesterday urged all single parents to join the Talisay City Solo Parent Workers Association (TCSPWA) so they can avail of benefits.

“We have leadership trainings, cash assistance, livelihood programs and contractual works for solo parents. And every solo parent in the city is entitled to benefit from all of that,” said Merilyn dela Torre, SWO’s focal person for solo parents.

Presently, the TCSPWA, a city-recognized single parents’ federation, has about 400 members only.

Dela Torre said they know there are more single parents out there who have to be persuaded to join the federation.

“If you’re an unmarried parent, or even if you have a husband but is working abroad, or your partner may be living with you but is physically ill, then you are considered a solo parent,” she said.

For one to join, the SWO requires a solo parent certification from the barangay and a birth certificate of the applicant’s child.

The office of the federation will issue an identification card once the application is approved. The ID is, however, renewable every year, as the member may have changed his/her status within that period.

Dela Torre said the office of Councilor Eduardo Gullas III has set aside 15-day contractual job slots for every solo parent.

Gullas is chairman on council committee on Women and Children.

Annie Echavez, TCSPWA president, said the federation is also set to provide capital loans to members, so they can start a business.

Echavez, being a solo parent herself, said she knows how hard it is to raise even a single child on her own, especially if the parent is jobless.

Members who attended a leadership seminar and underwent a business management training yesterday at the city hall, will also start their own food processing venture soon, Echavez said.

“Kung solo parent ka, kinahanglan gyud maningkamot ka para mabuhi nimo imong anak ug mapa-eskwela. Bisag unsa kagamay, at least naa kay income,” she said.

The TCSPWA, which is said to be the first in the province, was initiated by the SWO through its head, Felipa Solana. It will celebrate its first year on August, and Echavez said she hopes that before then they will increase their members “para pud daghan ming makabenepisyo sa gipanghatag sa gobyerno.” - THE FREEMAN