The City Government of Valenzuela celebrates its first-ever Pamilyang Valenzuelano Solo Parents’ which gathered almost 2,000 registered Solo Parents in the City at the WES Arena, Barangay Punturin, April 15. 

The observance of the Pamilyang Valenzuelano Solo Parents’ Day is pursuant to Ordinance No. 1087, Series of 2023, which was adopted from the national law, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, declaring the third week and third Saturday of April of every year as the Solo Parents’ Week and National Solo Parents’ Day. This event commemorates the role and significance of every Solo Parent in the City. 

In line with the celebration, Mayor WES Gatchalian proudly stated in his remarks that the Pamilyang Valenzuelano program, which includes the Solo Parents, is one of his priorities and the core of his administration. With this, the local government will grant the 7,500 registered Solo Parents in Valenzuela City a one-time financial assistance totaling PhP 3.7 Million. During the program, the aforementioned financial help was given to the eligible Solo Parents in the form of a PhP 500 grocery gift certificate. 

Moreover, the City Government, through the assistance of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Solo Parents Unit, prepared various booths and pocket events for the Solo Parents. There were kiosks that offered free TESDA training, financial literacy, job caravan, livelihood projects, free legal assistance, and a cooking show.

Mayor WES also grabbed the chance to introduce his newest program for the Solo Parents and their children. Under the Galing Pook awardee Education 360 Degrees Investment Program that aims to uplift the quality of education in the City, the Local Chief Executive launched the modified Nanay-Teacher+ program, focusing on the Solo Parents as the participants.

The Nanay-Teacher+ aims to enhance the parents’ awareness to participate in their child’s academic performance. Through reflection and pear-learning, the program intends to give the Solo Parents a thorough understanding on the concept and importance of their role in their child’s progress and further involvement in school activities. 

On April 20 and May 6, the 440 members of the Solo Parents Core Group per school will undergo a Parenting Seminar-Workshop to be facilitated by Synergeia Foundation. The Core Group will then create additional small groups of Solo Parents at their respective school from May through June to lead and replicate the Parenting Seminar-Workshop they have learned from Synergeia.

The City Mayor will also prepare an incentive for the registered Solo Parents who will actively support the Nanay-Teacher+ Program. Each solo parent will receive a grocery gift certificate worth PhP 300.00.

Also gracing the event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, National Council for Solo Parent Secretary Redd de Guzman, Solo Parent Unit Focal Person Kagawad Kisha Ancheta, Solo Parent Federation President Kagawad Natz de Guzman, City Councilors Marlon Alejandrino, Ricar Enriquez, Niña Lopez, Mickey Pineda, Liga ng mga Barangay President Councilor Jonjon Bartolome, and Valenzuela City Chief on Social Welfare Operations Dorothy Evangelista.

For Solo Parents who are yet to register in Valenzuela City, the City Government encourages them to sign up for a Solo Parent ID and avail the benefits and future programs of the City. They may visit the City Social Welfare and Development Office at the City Hall, or the Solo Parents Valenzuela Office located at the 3F Comelec Building, C.J. Santos St., Barangay Malinta, from Mondays to Fridays or call 8352-1000 and 8277-9620. 

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