You know that I am embracing single parenthood so much. I really enjoy being a mom to my unico hijo because we always do things together. Now that my son is nearing his tweenies--and eventually teens--, I am now cherishing the last few moments that I have with him because for sure that the time will come that he will no longer wants to go with me anymore. Actually there are times that he would ask me if I can just leave him at our house whenever I need to go somewhere. If only security is not an issue, I would leave him at our house for few hours. I know he can take care of himself and he has been briefed very well about entertaining people whom he doesn't know, but it's the other people whom I do not trust. Imagine that, my son is already slowly veering away from me and trying to live a life apart from me...I think my heart will break, waah!
Based on the law, the solo parent can also avail of services from DOH, CHED, TESDA, NHA, DILG, DSWD. However, I haven't heard of any solo parent who have availed of the services given by any of these government agencies. In addition, any solo parent whose income falls below poverty threshold as set by NEDA shall be eligible for assistance; however, the solo parent will undergo an assessment by a DSWD personnel to be able to avail of this benefit.
I have tried applying for a Solo Parent ID in our municipality, and here are the requirements:
- 2 1x1 ID picture
- filled up application form
- birth certificate of child (18 years old and below)
- barangay certification of residency (should be residing in the barangay for more than six months)
- proof of income (income tax return)
- proof of being a solo parent
For the proof of income, I said that I am a freelancer and I just do raketeering that is why I do not have an income tax return. For the proof of being a solo parent, I attached the court petition for absolute nullity of my marriage.
I got my Solo Parent ID after a week.
I noticed at the back of the ID that it has an expiry. That means, I have to apply for Solo Parent ID every year as long as I'm a solo parent.
I do hope that the government agencies mentioned above will really keep their promise that they will provide additional services to solo parents. Let's see how this privilege will work for me and my son.
