Solo parents entitled to discounts, VAT exemption, other perks

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting solo parents nationwide as the celebration of National Solo Parents Week culminated Saturday, highlighting the benefits available under Republic Act 11861, or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD’s Statutory Programs said one of the law's most significant provisions is that solo parents earning less than P250,000 annually are entitled to a 10% discount and VAT exemption on basic necessities and certain goods for children under 7 years old.

“You can get a 10 percent discount on children’s commodities for children six years old and below,” Asst. Secretary Colico said in Filipino.

The DSWD official said the discount applies to children’s medicines, vitamins, medical supplies, diapers, and milk.

According to Asst. Secretary Colico, solo parents are also entitled to parental leave, in addition to leave privileges under existing laws.

Solo parents, particularly solo mothers, are also prioritized in reentering the workforce.

“The law also states that as much as possible, they should be prioritized in employment. This is also supported by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), that when you are a solo parent, you are to be prioritized in employment, but of course, it still depends on the requirements and eligibility of the solo parent,” the assistant secretary said.

Other key benefits for qualified solo parents include a monthly cash subsidy for low-income solo parents, prioritization in low-cost housing programs, flexible work schedules, and scholarship programs for the solo parent and their children.

The DSWD official urged all solo parents to register with their local government units (LGUs) to obtain their solo parent identification cards (SPIC) and fully enjoy the benefits provided by the law.