With the presence of Inter-Agency Partners, the meeting was presided over by Ms. Jessie Catherine B. Aranas, Chief of Protective Services Division from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office – Chair of the RIAC-FF and its subcommittees.

The gathering served as a platform to reflect on recent milestones, including the meaningful celebration of Solo Parent Week, a testament to the commitment to advancing the provisions of R.A. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

A significant highlight was the sharing of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s implementing guidelines that support the realization of the 10% discount and VAT exemption — a concrete step towards easing the burden on solo parents.

Recognizing that laws must evolve alongside the needs of the people, our inter-agency partners also underscored the importance of revisiting the IRR of R.A. 11861 to close implementation gaps and ensure the law remains responsive, inclusive, and empowering.