With the aim to address the concern on some beneficiaries’ non-involvement in Responsible Parenting Movement (RPM) and other gender-related topics in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, DSWD FO2 launched the Solo Parents Congress on October 27, 2017 in Cauayan City, Isabela.

A brainchild of the Pantawid Pamilya Regional Program Management Office and Gender and Development Focal Person, Mr. Mac Paul V, Alariao, the Solo Parents Congress was an opportunity for Pantawid Pamilya solo parents to share their experiences and learn from one another.

“This initiative came into being because we have observed that there is a decrease in the attendance of parents during gender-related discussions in the Family Development Sessions (FDS). And we found out that their family status as solo parents contributed to the said low participation as the sessions require the presence of both parents,” Officer-in-Charge Lucia S. Alan explained.

Thus, in order to encourage solo parents to participate in gender-related discussions, a Special Sessions for Solo Parents Module was developed.

“In this module, we offer a group therapy or a support group-type of discussions for solo parents so that they can cope up with the conditionality of the Program such as attendance to FDS. With this special session, we hope that our solo parents will be encouraged to share their experiences and work on understanding their own selves better,” Mr. Alariao further explained.

Acknowledging the efforts of DSWD FO2 were the officials of Cuayan City lead by the City Social Welfare and Development Officer. ### By: Gela Flor R. Perez, Regional Information Officer II