By Sarah Margaret Gavile, Raeven Neil Sarmogenes, Glydel Clark / WVSU interns
Solo parents from the five districts of Iloilo gathered to celebrate Solo Parents Day with the theme, “Solo Parents na Rehistrado sa Gobyerno, Tiyak na Suportado” at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on July 30, 2025.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office OIC-Provincial Government Department Head delivered his speech with a heartfelt tribute to the solo parents of the province of Iloilo.
He recognized the solo parents’ strength, resilience, and devotion. He also expressed his gratitude to government agencies, social workers, and community leaders who supported solo parents along their journey.
“Being a solo parent is never easy. It means carrying double the weight – working hard to provide, to guide, and to nurture children alone. It means making sacrifices, facing judgements, and sometimes walking a lonely path yet despite these challenges, you rise each day with strength and determination,” he said.
Cuarte introduced the initiatives, programs, services, and policies of the Iloilo provincial government that uplift support for solo parents. He also encouraged solo parents to register under Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Welfare Act to ensure rightful access to assistance.
Social Welfare Officer IV Anne Rapunzel Ganzon shared her warm message to the solo parents, highlighting their sacrifices in providing for their family’s needs. She acknowledged the success of the event under the leadership of Governor Toto Defensor who supported all sectors including solo parents, through legislations and the Solo Parents Day ordinance led by PSWDO.
Furthermore, Ganzon emphasized the importance of registration to access PhilHealth benefits, and the careful process of ID issuance to maintain legitimacy and prevent abuse of registration.
Chiena Mae B. Chong of PhilHealth Region VI discussed the practical benefits and importance of PhilHealth for the security and future of the solo parents and their children.
“PhilHealth is not just about covering hospital bills, it’s about safeguarding the health of both you and your children – maternity, inpatient, outpatient benefits, all within reach once you register,” Chong said.
The presence of Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque was also acknowledged as she gave her tribute to the solo parents of Iloilo Province. She shared her heartfelt gratitude to the sacrifices and hard work of the parents in raising their children alone.
The program also featured solo and group performances of parents from the five districts.
As the program drew to a close, barangay officials and social workers rose one by one to pledge hands-on outreach in every corner of Iloilo. With renewed determination, the province reaffirmed its promise to register, reach out, and assure that solo parents in Iloilo will never be left on their own.
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