BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Solo parents in the Cordillera region are being encouraged to maximize government programs on education, livelihood, healthcare, housing, and other forms of assistance as part of continuing efforts to strengthen support for vulnerable sectors.
National government agencies presented a range of services and programs available to solo parents and their dependents, underscoring the push for more coordinated or “convergent” delivery of social protection initiatives during the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Filipino Family meeting on June 23, 2026.
The Commission on Higher Education–Cordillera (CHED-CAR) said children and dependents of solo parents may apply for scholarships and financial assistance programs currently open to qualified students.
CHED-UniFAST Education Lead Regional Coordinator Jezeny O. Laoyan said dependents of solo parents are now included under the second priority category of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for Academic Year 2026–2027, with eligible beneficiaries receiving up to P5,000 per semester or P10,000 per academic year.
Laoyan added that they may also qualify for additional ranking points under the CHED Merit Scholarship Program upon submission of a valid solo parent identification card issued by the local social welfare office.
Other available scholarships include Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (EAST), for those planning to take allied medical courses and the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP).
“Pwede po silang mag-apply online until July 31, 2026,” she said.
For overseas Filipino workers and their families, the Department of Migrant Workers said solo parents may access livelihood assistance, financial literacy sessions, psychosocial counseling, reintegration support, and other welfare services.
On the livelihood side, the Department of Trade and Industry -Cordillera is encouraging solo parents to explore entrepreneurship programs through Negosyo Centers, the Kapatid Mentor Me program, SME Roving Academy, livelihood seeding initiatives, financing assistance, and market linkage support.
“These interventions help solo parents build and sustain livelihood opportunities, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, and support the goal of achieving financial stability and self-sufficiency for their families,” Caroline Ladines of DTI-CAR said.
Solo parents are among priority groups considered in socialized housing programs and local shelter planning, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development also shared.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera (DSWD-CAR) said solo parents may access various social welfare services through local government units, in line with the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act. These include case management, psychosocial support, and other interventions aimed at addressing the needs of solo-parent households.
DSWD-CAR Regional Director Enrique H. Gascon Jr. emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration among agencies to ensure that services reach more beneficiaries and complement existing social protection programs.
Solo parents are encouraged to coordinate with their respective local government units and concerned agencies for guidance on requirements and application procedures for available programs and benefits.
To fully access available benefits, the DSWD encouraged beneficiaries to secure or update their Solo Parent Identification Cards. **JDP/RGA-PIA CAR
