Raising a child single-handedly is a journey of immense resilience, but in Pasig City, you don’t have to walk that path alone. Guided by Republic Act 11861 (The Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act) and localized through City Ordinance No. 78, Series of 2023, Pasig has established one of the most robust support systems for solo parents in Metro Manila.

Whether you are widowed, separated, or an unmarried parent, here is everything you need to know about navigating the solo parent program in the city.



The Solo Parent ID

The Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) is your "passport" to all government benefits. In Pasig, this ID is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to ensure your information remains current.

As of 2026, the DSWD is working toward a unified ID system, but currently, you must still apply through the Pasig City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).



Who Qualifies as a Solo Parent?

Eligibility has expanded significantly to include more than just "single" parents. You qualify if you have sole parental care due to:



Spousal Loss: Death, or physical/mental incapacity of a spouse.

Separation: Legal or de facto separation for at least 6 months.

Abandonment: Being left by a spouse for at least 6 months.

Unmarried Status: Mother or father who rears the child alone.

Incarceration: Spouse is serving a sentence for at least 6 months.

Grandparents/Guardians: Relatives within the 4th degree of consanguinity who have sole responsibility for a child.

Dependent Age: Your children must be 22 years old or below, unmarried, and unemployed. (Children over 22 qualify if they are unable to care for themselves due to disability).




Key Benefits in Pasig City

Pasig offers a mix of national mandates and unique local incentives:

Monthly Cash Subsidy: Qualified solo parents earning minimum wage or below (or those classified as low-income earners under Ordinance No. 23, Series of 2025) receive 1,000 PHP per month.

10% Discount & VAT Exemption: For parents earning less than 250,000 PHP annually, you get a 10% discount and VAT exemption on "baby essentials" (milk, diapers, medicine) for children aged 0 to 6.

7-Day Paid Parental Leave: After six months of employment, you are entitled to one week of paid leave every year to attend to parental duties (school meetings, medical check-ups, etc.).

Workplace Flexibility: Employers are mandated to provide flexible work schedules to help you balance home and work.

Health & Housing: Automatic PhilHealth coverage (subsidized for low-income earners) and priority in local government housing projects.

Education: Prioritization for city scholarships and educational assistance for your children.



ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN PASIG

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Application Requirements

Gather these documents before heading to City Hall:

Barangay Certificate: Confirming at least 6 months of residency in Pasig.

Child’s PSA Birth Certificate: Original and photocopy.

Proof of Status:

  • Widowed: Death Certificate of spouse.

  • Separated/Abandoned: Notarized Affidavit of Separation/Abandonment.

  • Unmarried: Notarized Affidavit of Solo Parenthood.

Income Document: Latest ITR, payslip, or Certificate of Indigency (if unemployed).

Valid ID: Government-issued ID showing your Pasig address.

Photos: Two (2) 2x2 ID photos.


The Step-by-Step Application Process


Visit the Barangay First: Start at your local Barangay Hall to get your residency certificate and specific forms. Some barangays now facilitate initial screenings.

Proceed to "Bahay Aruga": In Pasig, solo parent processing often happens at Bahay Aruga (Social Welfare Office). Note that processing hours are typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Social Case Study: You will be interviewed by a social worker. This is a standard procedure to assess your needs and verify your solo parent status.

Claim Your ID: Once approved, your ID and Certificate of Eligibility are usually issued within 7 to 15 working days.



By formalizing your status as a solo parent, you gain more than just discounts; you join a community where the local government recognizes the weight of your responsibilities and offers a helping hand to lighten the load.