Solo Parent Purchase Booklet Now Available in CSWDO Baguio City

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in Baguio City has announced that the Solo Parent Purchase Booklet is now available for qualified solo parents. This booklet enables eligible solo parents to avail of purchase discounts as provided under Republic Act No. 11861, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

Who Are Qualified for the Solo Parent Purchase Discount?

According to Republic Act No. 11861, only qualified solo parents can avail of the purchase discount. To be eligible, a solo parent must meet the following criteria:

• A mother or father who is left alone to raise a child due to death, separation, annulment, abandonment, or imprisonment of a spouse.
• An unmarried parent who has chosen to solely take care of their child.
• A legal guardian or relative who is the primary caretaker of a child.
• A spouse of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who has been away for at least one year.
• A pregnant woman who is carrying a child without a partner’s support.
• Must earn less than ₱250,000 annually to qualify for the purchase discount.

DOH Memorandum Circular No. 2024-0035

On September 17, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2024-0035, which supplements Republic Act No. 11861 by implementing a 10% discount and VAT exemption on certain goods for solo parents. This memorandum ensures that solo parents can access essential items for their children at a lower cost, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting single-parent households.

What Items Can Be Purchased with the Discount?

The Solo Parent Purchase Booklet allows qualified solo parents to avail of a 10% discount and VAT exemption on the following items for their children aged six (6) years and below:

• Infant formula and baby’s milk
• Food and micronutrient supplements
• Sanitary diapers
• Medicines and vaccines
• Medical supplements prescribed by a physician

These items must be purchased from registered pharmacies, grocery stores, or similar establishments.

How to Qualify and Required Documents

To apply for the Solo Parent Purchase Booklet, applicants must follow these steps:

1. Prepare the following documents:
   • Duly accomplished Solo Parent ID application form (available at the CSWDO office)
   • Proof of Solo Parent Status, such as:
     • Death certificate of spouse
     • Declaration of nullity of marriage
     • Legal separation documents
     • Proof of abandonment (affidavit or barangay certification)
     • Certificate of incarceration (if spouse is imprisoned)
   • Proof of income (Income Tax Return or Certificate of Indigency) to verify annual earnings of ₱250,000 or below
   • Birth certificate of the child/children
2. Submit the application to the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
3. Wait for processing and issuance of the Solo Parent ID and the Solo Parent Purchase Booklet.

What is Republic Act No. 11861?

Republic Act No. 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, provides enhanced support and benefits to solo parents. It recognizes the challenges they face and seeks to alleviate their financial burden through various forms of assistance.

Benefits of Solo Parents Under RA 11861

1. Parental Leave – An additional seven (7) days of parental leave per year for solo parents employed for at least six months.
2. Flexible Work Arrangements – Employers are encouraged to offer flexible working schedules for solo parents.
3. Educational Benefits – Scholarship programs for solo parents and one full scholarship for their child.
4. Child Minding Centers – Establishment of child-minding centers in workplaces to assist solo parents with childcare.
5. Social Assistance – Financial aid and support during emergencies, disasters, or public health crises.
6. Health Benefits – Solo parents and their children are automatically covered under PhilHealth for medical services.
7. Monthly Cash Assistance – Solo parents earning below ₱250,000 annually can receive a ₱1,000 monthly cash subsidy from their local government unit (LGU).
8. 10% Discount and VAT Exemption – Applicable for essential child-rearing products for children six years old and below.

With the implementation of these benefits, the government aims to provide better financial relief and support for solo parents, helping them raise their children in a stable and secure environment.
Sources: PIO Baguio, PIA, Philippine Commission on Women (https://pcw.gov.ph/)