DSWD, Abra LGU give cash to 2.8K solo parents

By Zaldy De Layola 

BANGUED, Abra – Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Rex Gatchalian reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to look after the protection and well-being of solo parents in the country during his first official visit to Abra last week.
    A DSWD news release issued Thursday said Gatchalian made the commitment Wednesday after leading the distribution of P2,000 in cash assistance each to some 2,850 solo parents from 27 municipalities of the province.
    In his speech, Gatchalian said as former three-term mayor of Valenzuela City, he had seen the work and hardships encountered by solo parents and their need for assistance.
    “They toil to earn a living and at the same time, care for their children, with many having no other support,” he said.
    “Ang panata namin sa DSWD, aalagaan ang solo parents, hindi lamang dito sa Abra, kundi sa buong Pilipinas. Maraming bagong programa ang ilalabas sa darating na buwan (Our vow in DSWD is to take care of solo parents, not just here in Abra, but in the entire Philippines. There will be new programs that will be implemented in the coming months),” the DSWD Secretary said.
    The assistance is in line with the enactment of RA 11861 as amended, which mandates the provision of adequate social protection programs for solo parents from the government.
    Gatchalian lauded Abra for having an organized solo parents group, noting the province’s advanced initiatives for the sector.

He said the DSWD will continue to partner with Abra and other local government units for assistance to the sector, especially with implementation of the new law on solo parents.

Abra Gov. Dominic Valera hosted the activity and welcomed the DSWD delegation headed by Gatchalian, along with Undersecretary Denise Florence Bragas and DSWD Cordillera Administrative Region director Leo Quintilla.

Gatchalian visited DSWD satellite office including the agency’s warehouse in the province to check and ensure availability of food and non-food items in cases of calamities and disasters.

He also visited the Bahay Pag-asa center for children in conflict with the law, which is a facility managed by the LGU.

Gatchalian personally express his appreciation to the staff of DSWD CAR, especially those assigned in Abra for their compassionate service to the locals.

Since his appointment in Jan. 31, Gatchalian had been visiting different facilities of the DSWD across the country in line with his goal of improving these structures to ensure quality public service to the people. -- PNA