The Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) recently conducted an orientation session on the Solo Parent Guidelines for 45 solo parents from the 15 villages of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. The activity took place last week at the MSSD Mapun Unit Office in Lupa-Pula village.
Orientation and Election of Officers
Sheba Jamaluddin, the municipal social welfare officer of Mapun, stated that the orientation aimed to enhance participants' understanding of their rights, benefits, and available government services. The gathering also served as an election venue for the new set of officers of the Solo Parents Association in Mapun.
Welfare Assistance Provided
Jamaluddin confirmed that each participant received welfare assistance, including a 25-kilogram sack of rice and a box of viand, to help support their families' daily needs.
Importance of Organizing Solo Parents
Jamaluddin emphasized the significance of organizing solo parents in the municipality. “We need to organize them for them to have easy access to benefits, services, and other assistance. And for MSSD to identify and locate other solo parents in the municipality, especially since Mapun is geographically isolated,” she said in a statement.
Dakila Program for Indigent Solo Parents
The MSSD also identified indigent solo parents as potential beneficiaries of the Demand-driven and Adaptive Key Actions for Indigent Solo Parents in Leveraging their Aspirations (Dakila), a flagship program of the Ministry. Under this program, qualified solo parents who pass the assessment and validation process will receive P1,000 in monthly financial assistance and other social support based on their needs.
