Some 54 qualified solo parents received educational assistance from the City Government of Valenzuela through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) at the Valenzuela City Town Hall, November 8.

These beneficiaries of educational assistance are registered solo parents in the City of Valenzuela with children who are studying in tertiary level of education. A maximum of PhP 5,000 financial assistance per semester or PhP 10,000 every school year shall be granted to these beneficiaries.

To qualify to the educational assistance, the solo parents fulfilled the following requirements: Barangay Indigency, Affidavit of Separation or Guardianship (if separated), Death Certificate of spouse (if widow), Birth Certificate of Children dependent on the parent, Valid ID, and Solo Parent Certification from their barangay. They have undergone a home visitation and validation from the CSWDO staff.

The students of the solo parents, on the other hand, must maintain a grade of 82% per subject per semester until they graduate from college. Failure to maintain the required grade will cause the solo parents and her/his student ineligible for the financial aid.

Spearheading the event were Valenzuela City Mayor WES Gatchalian, Solo Parents Focal Person, Kagawad Kisha Ancheta, and Ms. Linda Santiago, Focal Person for Women and Family of Valenzuela City Social Welfare Office (CSWDO).

Last October, the City through the CSWDO already start distributing the new Solo Parent ID to the registered solo parents in the City. The local government provides livelihood programs as well as job placement referral to Public Employment Service Officce (PESO) to help the solo parents aside from the benefits they received from the newly signed law, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022.

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