Tandag City, April 11, 2025 — In line with the upcoming celebration of the National Solo Parents Day and Week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga conducted a Capacity Building Initiative on Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parent Welfare Act, for Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs) and Solo Parent Federation Presidents in Surigao del Sur.

This is the second session of three covering the different provinces of Caraga Region. It aimed to equip LGU partners with updated knowledge and skills to effectively implement the law and deliver expanded benefits to solo parents.

Inter-agency partners from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Housing Authority (NHA) presented programs and services that solo parents may avail of, in line with the provisions of RA 11861.

Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the activity not only deepened their understanding of the law but also opened doors for better inter-agency coordination in addressing the needs of solo parents.

“We are grateful [to] DSWD [Caraga] for continually providing capacity building [opportunities] like this to intensify the promotion of the welfare of the solo parents. The activity provided an avenue for the stakeholders to clarify issues and concerns as to the issuance of Solo Parent ID Card and increased the commitment of the different stakeholders and agencies to promote the welfare and the rights of our solo parents,” Ms. Sharon Fe Tisang emphasized the crucial role of these sessions in understanding RA 11861 and enhancing collaboration. 

Ms. Rechiel F. San Miguel on the other hand, shared her gratitude for the opportunities and the government’s commitment to solo parents, “Daghan ko og na discover nga opportunities, na feel nako pinaagi ani nga activity nga wala pasagdi nan gobyerno ang mga sama namo nga mga solo parents. Mapasalamaton ako sa DSWD Field Office Caraga nga nag facilitate ani nga programa kay pinaagi sa ila, gitagaan kami ng chance. Isip usa ka vice president sa among association, ako gyud i-share akong na-learn sa akong mga kaubanan.”

The DSWD Field Office Caraga reiterated its commitment to sustaining efforts that promote the welfare of vulnerable sectors, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of social protection and inclusive development.