LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – Filipinos have all heard of the difficulties of solo parents, for it is very distressing. Vast members of them are in pain each day as they try to cope up with the high cost of living. They would be taking cue from their officials.
Anxiety is coming fast to them with a reason. A recent activity in Lagawe provided them an opportunity to realize it, but only little enough to think of their next move to get relief.
In a move that followed months of pointed discussions on concerns affecting solo parents, the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) of Ifugao rolled out a two-day solo parent seminar at the Hope Bible Academy. It was surely meant to strengthen the provincial government’s partnership in the quest to improve their plight.
About 15 women leaders from the public and private sector, who attended the activity expressed their appreciation to resource speaker Cecile Unghiyon.
Also, they have been actively engaging with the seminar’s distinguished speaker from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
“We had an exceptionally strong partnership with the PSWDO, so much so that I readily included this seminar in my hectic schedules thus, demonstrating the commitment and determination to listen and address their legitimate grievances,” Board Member Peter Bunnag said.
“This is essential in understanding them better,” he added.
Bunnag is the chairman of the committee on social services, disadvantaged individuals, women, children’s and family.
Bunnag in his opening day message assured the participants that the provincial government is doing its best to improve the conditions of solo parents.
The strengthened cooperation between his office and solo parents “sends a clear message to all stakeholders that the legislature shall help the needy in your ranks.”
The idea, he said, to show that “we have been open to any strategic partnerships that give value for our people.”
In almost every case, when you really think of cash-strapped solo parents well, you can for so many of them. Thus, governments in the national and local level must take a proactive role in helping them overcome hard times.
Municipal governments are supposed to give Php 1,000 a month to a solo parent. Only Asipulo managed to do so. Believe it or not, the Lagawe solo parent is receiving Php 300 only, according to Irene Calingayan. She is the head of the town’s solo parent organization with 58 members.
This lamentation echoes the cries of despair of others in Aguinaldo, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan and Lamut towns where participants resided.
In the meantime, however, while the PSWDO continues to impact, old-school lectures on social protection program, moves to ensure low inflation for low-income families. This will certainly enhance the capacities of extremely poor solo parents reap the benefits of social assistance program.
Board Member Geronimo Bimohya also spoke at the activity.
In the present time, others have their insights on this matter, echoed many times over. While not a solo parent himself, Barangay Poblacion East community leader Napoleon Abad said there is a need to “promote and strengthen livelihood ventures for solo parents.” The village accounts for the largest number of Lagawe’s inhabitants.
Industrious solo parents don’t turn away from work. They work very hard even if the work they do isn’t high paying or glamorous. But jobs are few.
Recognizing the enormous financial constraints, solo parents continue to build a relationship with their children that can endure even flourish in such uncertain times. For they also want to offer guidance, care and support.**
