The Cebu Provincial Government has taken a major step to empower thousands of solo parents across the province with the establishment of a dedicated office focused solely on their welfare.
New Office to Bridge Implementation Gaps
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan gave its final approval to the Cebu Province Solo Parents Affairs Office Ordinance. This landmark legislation creates the Cebu Province Solo Parents Affairs Office (CP-SPAO), a body tasked with the full implementation of Republic Act (RA) 8972, commonly known as the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.
The ordinance was principally authored by Provincial Board Member Nilo Seno and co-authored by Board Members Lakambini Reluya and Paz Rozgoni. The CP-SPAO will be established under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and will operate under the direct supervision of the provincial governor.
Addressing a Long-Standing Need
This move directly tackles the poor enforcement of RA 8972, which lawmakers noted has remained largely unimplemented since its passage over two decades ago. The primary reason cited was the lack of a strong institutional mechanism to execute programs and deliver services intended for solo parents.
The need for such an office is underscored by official data. According to 2024 records from the PSWDO, there are at least 18,486 registered solo parents in Cebu Province. The new office is designed to be their formal advocate at the provincial level, ensuring they can access legally mandated benefits and have their rights promoted.
Expected Impact and Legal Alignment
Provincial officials believe that localizing the national law through the CP-SPAO will lead to significant positive outcomes. These include:
- Improved social integration for solo-parent families.
- A reduction in the stigma often associated with solo parenthood.
- The creation of a formal provincial body to champion their interests.
The ordinance also aligns with the expanded benefits under RA 11861, which amended the original Solo Parents' Welfare Act and was signed into law on June 4, 2022. Through this measure, the Cebu Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to inclusive governance and the protection of solo parents' welfare across all its towns and cities.
