To provide recognition to all solo parents in the province, the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC), the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in cooperation with the United Solo Parents Association – Cavite (USPA) spearheaded the Solo Parents’ Day Celebration with the theme “Solo Parents: Resiliency in Facing Challenges of Parenthood and Adversities of Society” at the Provincial Gymnasium, Trece Martires City on April 15, 2023.
Present during the event were Hon. Romel R. Enriquez, 1st District Board Member and Committee Chairperson on Social Services, Family, Women, Children and Elderly, Hon. Maurito C. Sison, 6th District Board Member and Majority Floor Leader, and Ms. Felipa Servañez, PSWDO head, joined by Ms. Analie Rodil, Ms. Anthoniet R. Rieta, and Ms. Darylvy R. Avila.
In the opening salvo, BM Maurito Sison and BM Romel Enriquez echoed the importance of the celebration in acknowledging the dedication, resiliency, and sacrifices of solo parents for their families. They expressed their commitment to continue providing assistance and support for the programs and projects intended for solo parents. Moreover, BM Enriquez wished to establish a solo parents’ federation not only in each city/municipality, but throughout the province, as it will serve as a bridge for the recommendation and suggestions of various initiatives that need to be implemented, as well as an opportunity for them to connect with their fellow parents.
Ms. Analie Rodil, USPA President, warmly welcomed everyone and thanked Governor Jonvic Remulla and Vice Governor Athena Bryana Tolentino for their unwavering support, which made the event possible. She emphasized the significance of the celebration to every solo parent, and how it served as a reminder of their role in society.
Subsequently, Ms. Anthoniet R. Rieta, representative of Vice Governor Athena Bryana Tolentino and 8th District Board Member Irene Bencito, spoke the challenges and hardships of being a solo parent, including double workload, sacrifices, pressure and stress. However, despite of these, double love, hugs and kisses come along with parenthood. She, then, encouraged solo parents to step forward, move ahead, and strive to achieve the goals and dreams for their children and families.
The first part of the event was the informative talk regarding the amended act for the additional benefits of solo parents.
Ms. Darylvy R. Avila, Registered Social Worker and Instructor at Cavite State University, gave lecture and shared her insight on RA 11861: Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act. She tackled the whats and hows of the republic act, the benefits, key points and key roles in ensuring the welfare and protection of these solo parents. Her discussion also highlighted the importance of recognizing the needs and struggles of solo parents, especially in raising their children and creating a better life for them, alone.
After the talk, questions and concerns of the attendees were addressed in an open forum, which was gladly answered by the resource speaker.
In her closing remark, Ms. Evelyn M. Reyes of Provincial Information and Community Affairs Department (PICAD) expressed their heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for gracing the remarkable celebration for solo parents.
The activity was a fun-filled one with raffles and giveaways. Apart from that, in the second part of the program, various booths of PGC offices and other agencies were featured, including PICAD, PCLEDO, PLO, OWWA, PHO, TESDA, Smart and Cignal, and LGBTQIA+, which added fun and excitement in the celebration.
The event, then, ended with renewed hope and assurance that the solo parents are no longer alone in their journey and battle.
The Solo Parents’ Day will be an annual celebration every April 15th of the year based on Provincial Ordinance 372-2022 proposed by Hon. Maurito Sison.