WHEREAS, the Philippine constitution highlights the importance of education in its State Policies under Section 17, and is read as “The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development;”
WHEREAS, despite efforts in advancing gender equality, gender discrimination is still prevalent in the working sector. Most of the Solo Parents are females, and are left with the responsibility of raising their children on their own after the parents separate;
WHEREAS, in fact in San Juan City alone, ninety percent (90%) of registered Solo Parents are females. With the increasing number of Solo Parents in the City, Ordinance 10 series of 2021 creating as Solo Parents’ Welfare Office (SPWO) was enacted;
WHEREAS, it is the Government’s responsibility in partnering with these Solo Parents in raising productive citizens of the community. It is the LGU’s aim to create a better future for the children of San Juan.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of San Juan in a session duly assembled that:
SECTION 1. Title. This Ordinance shall be known as the “Educational Assistance for Solo Parents of San Juan City”
SECTION 2. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to assist and partner with the Solo Parents in educating children into independent and productive members of the society.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. The following terms shall mean as follows:
(a)Solo Parent – any individual San Juan City resident who falls under any of the following categories:
(1)A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender. Provided, that the mother keeps and raises the child;
(2)Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to death of spouse;
(3)Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while the spouse is detained or is serving for criminal conviction for at least one (1) year;
(4)Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner;
(5)Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(6)Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to declaration of nullity or dissolution of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(7)Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at least one (1) year;
(8)Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution;
(9)Any person, other than the parents, who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children;
(10)Any family member who assumes the responsibility of head of the family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parent or solo parent.
(b)Child/Children – refer to those living with and dependent upon the solo parent for support who are not more than eighteen (18) years of age, or even eighteen (18) years of age but incapable of self-support because of mental and/or physical disability.
(c)Indigent – he or she is not employed in any status, or underemployed, and/or cannot earn any income to support the daily needs of the family.
SECTION 4. The City Government of San Juan, under the City Social Welfare Department (CSWD) and Solo Parents’ Welfare Office (SPWO), shall provide an additional yearly educational assistance for the qualified child/children of registered Solo Parents.
SECTION 5. Benefit. Qualified Children of registered Solo Parents shall be entitled to receive an annual benefit of Two Thousand (P2,000.00) Pesosto be used as a supplement for the child’s needs for school.
SECTION 6. Qualifications.
(a.)Parent or Guardian who is a registered Solo Parent with the Solo Parents’ Welfare Office;
(b.) Children must be not more than eighteen (18) years of age, or;
(c.)Even eighteen (18) years of age but incapable of self-support due to mental and/or physical disability;
(d.) Must be a bona fide resident of San Juan City and shall be able to present a Certificate of Residency from the barangay of residence.
SECTION 7. The CSWD and SPWO, in coordination with the Sangguniang Panlunsod’s Committee on Social Services, Women & Children shall come up with a set of additional guidelines and criteria to determine who shall be qualified to receive the Educational Assistance under this Ordinance and shall be approved by the City Mayor.
SECTION 8. Termination of Benefit. A change in status or circumstance of the Solo Parent that removes the latter from the coverage as mentioned above shall terminate the eligibility in claiming the said assistance.
SECTION 9.Appropriations. The City Treasurer is hereby authorized to allocate the required funds for the implementation of this ordinance, subject to the availability of funds.
SECTION 10. Implementation. This Ordinance shall be implemented by the Solo Parents’ Welfare Office under the City Social Welfare Department, and the City Treasury. A list of qualified recipients shall be submitted to the Office of the City Mayor on the first (1st) week of May. The benefit shall be released not later than the third (3rd) week of June of the same year.
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause - All Ordinances, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly;
SECTION 12. Separability Clause - If any portion of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional and/or illegal, the remainder shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 13. The authority, issuance and approval hereof is subject to compliance with existing laws and COA rules and regulations on appropriations, expenditures, and procurement.
SECTION 14. Effectivity. This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval.