The Provincial Government of Cebu is set to establish a dedicated office for solo parents to fast-track the benefits and provisions of Republic Act No. 8972.
Authored by Board Member Nilo Seno with Board Members Lakambini Reluya and Paz Rozgoni as co-authors, the 17th Council of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the “Cebu Province Solo Parents Affairs Office Ordinance,” otherwise known as the CP-SPAO Ordinance.
The CP-SPAO Ordinance will be created under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and will operate under the direct supervision of the
Provincial Governor, the Capitol PIO said in a press release, Among others, the creation of the CP-SPAO seeks to address the absence of a “strong institutional mechanism” where many solo parents remain unaware of the benefits and protections stipulated under RA 8972.
It will likewise ensure the effective execution of laws and ordinances aimed at advancing the welfare of solo parents, and at the same time, serve as the central hub for information, coordination and advocacy for solo parents throughout the province.
“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.
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The office will also ensure that solo parents are not deprived of the rights, benefits, and privileges guaranteed to them under the law,” Capitol PIO added.
Based on a 2024 data from the PSWDO, there are at least 18,486 solo parents that are registered in the province of Cebu.
