Promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of the vulnerable sectors, such as solo parents and their children, is one of the mandates of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In line with this mandate, the DSWD is supporting the First National Convention of Solo Parents to be held in Naga City on April 25-26, 2014.

With the theme, “Solo Parents Facing a Bright Future”, the event aims to gather the leaders and representatives of various solo parent associations (SPAs) to discuss mutual issues and concerns affecting their sector.

Organized by SONATA (Solong Nanay at Tatay) Confederation, the umbrella organization of SPAs, in cooperation with the local government of Naga City and DSWD, the convention is a take -off from the launching of the National Solo Parents Day last year.

The leaders of the various SPAs pushed for the proclamation of the third Saturday of April to be declared National Solo Parents Day, and to come-up with meaningful activities every year.

The convention will also serve as a vehicle to bring to the government’s attention the plight of solo parents.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that, “solo parents and their children are considered vulnerable, hence, programs designed to empower them should be in place.”

Topics to be discussed include “Awareness on Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000” by DSWD Undersecretary Florita R. Villar, “The challenges of a solo parent” by Kris Aquino, a solo parent herself,  and “Moving from grief to growth” by Susan Roces, widow of movie icon Fernando Poe, Jr.

Meanwhile, Dr. Diosdado A. Amante, Dean of the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) will talk about the “Importance of values formation.”

Local officials led by Naga City Mayor John Bongat, Naga Social Welfare and Development Officer Jaime Reblando, DSWD Director Leticia Diokno, SONATA National President Lito Alcaraz, and SONATA Corporate Secretary Liezel Po will also be present. ###