DMW REAFFIRMS SUPPORT TO OFW SPOUSES CONSIDERED AS SOLO PARENTS

IN line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the welfare and well-being of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reaffirmed its commitment to providing care and support to spouses of OFWs who are also considered as solo parents under the Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

“The family is at the heart of every OFW story. And we are grateful that the law recognizes the solo caregiving reality of OFW spouses and other family members.

Our role in DMW is to ensure that our system recognizes that too through a more inclusive and more compassionate programs and services,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said.

As reiterated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), spouses or any other family member of an OFW in low or semi-skilled occupation, who have been at least one year continuously working abroad are qualified as solo parents and entitled to full benefits accorded by the law.

The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act expanded the definition of solo parents to be more inclusive to the current situation of OFW spouses and other legal guardians who solely bore the responsibility of providing parental care and support to a child or children.

Cacdac emphasized the importance of comprehensive social protection services for OFW solo parents and their families with coordinated efforts of various government agencies, including the DMW in support to the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

For responsive care and support to OFW solo parents, the DMW has issued Department Order  08 s. 2024, which ensures access to DMW programs and services, including welfare assistance and reintegration support.

“Kabilang sa mga programa at serbisyong handog ng DMW ay ang livelihood at skills training, counseling at psychosocial support, financial literacy, at iba pang programang tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga solo parents mula sa pamilyang OFW,” Cacdac said.

Moreover, the under RA11861, eligible solo parents may also receive a P1,000 monthly subsidy, automatic PhilHealth coverage, educational and livelihood programs, and tax exemptions for childcare needs for children under six years old.

However, the annually renewed Solo Parent ID must be secured from their local government units (LGUs) to avail of these benefits.