Our Great Northern Luzon Adventure of 2014

From Region 1 to Region 2

2014 was the year I stayed “local” and had no travels abroad. But that didn’t mean I stayed put much. I simply had to quench my wanderlust and my sister, Giselle and her fiancé, Jopay joined us for one big Northern Luzon adventure again so close to the rainy season. 

The previous year, they tagged along for my lecture stints in Baguio. We had so much fun visiting old summer haunts and reminiscing about our childhood. It was a busy four-day spree, squeezing in tours in between my senior citizen talks. And when the opportunity presented itself again, they were ready to jump at the chance for another exciting trip.

Toni and I always tried to visit her family in Cagayan Valley at least twice a year. Usually, it’s in January and either June or November, when the temperature is much more tolerable. Tuguegarao is famed for being the hottest place in the Philippines and summers there are just scorching hot. 

Giselle was also big on old churches and museums, and Jopay was just developing his penchant for religious pilgrimages. We had always shared with them our patronage of Our Lady of Piat and that She grants wishes. Now, they were willing to undergo the long travel just to see the famed Apo Baket of Cagayan.

This was around the time many bus lines to and from Tuguegarao were suspended by the LTFRB. With GV Florida and Dalin out of circulation, only Victory Liner seemed to be in operation; and it was either that or take the plane to Cagayan Valley. 

Unfortunately, everybody else had trekked to Victory terminal to try and catch trips to Region 2. Reservations were all fully-booked, and there were just too many “chance” passengers to compete with. So when Giselle asked how else can we get to Cagayan Valley, I had this bright idea to get there from Region 1. 

Rediscovering Ilocos Norte

And so it began – our great North Luzon road trip. We went to Partas terminal in Cubao and caught an afternoon trip for Laoag. The idea was to cross over to region 2 from Ilocos Norte via the great Patapat viaduct in Pagudpud. That was easier said than done, of course. But we were foolish enough to try it.

After a good 10 hour drive, we arrived in Laoag at an unholy hour. Since we hoped to catch an early bus to Cagayan Valley, we decided to stay at a cheap motel to catch some sleep. The inn we stayed at was perfect for they allowed a minimum of 3-4 hours stay, just enough for a nap and a quick shower.

Later that day (although still so very early in the morning) we went to the bus terminal in Bacarra for the bus to Sta. Ana.  Looking at the available buses (they were old and non-aircon), we were told it would take another 4 to 5 hours to reach Sta.Ana, and we would need to transfer buses somewhere in Camalaniugan. 

At that point, we made another crazy decision – we would try to hire one of those vans that travelled to Cagayan Valley too, but docked at a different town. But the vans and the FX thought they had a better deal shuttling a full-contingent of passengers rather than taking 4 adults and a kid directly to faraway Sta. Ana.

Again, by sheer luck, a driver sleeping in one of the parked jeepneys was woken up by one of the other drivers.  It was only he, who took us up on our offer.  Manong Arnel, as we soon found out, was very familiar with region 1 to region 2 crossings because he frequently shuttled a religious group to Isabela province to do some missionary work. 

And so it goes –because Arnel needed to exchange his jeepney for their van, and also to get some personal things for the long travel, he took us on a tour of his hometown, Bacarra. Driving by their church and plaza, we saw their famous belltower.  Fondly called the “dancing” or “aerobic” belltower, it is now in ruins following a strong earthquake. Visitors are asked to stay away and not get too close to the tower since every so often some of the original parts still come off and simply fall over.

As we sped through the rest of Ilocos Norte, I finally got the chance to see the famous windmills. Originally established as a wind farm in Banggui, the town of Burgos now has its own set of windmills through the initiative of the younger generation of Marcoses, Senator Bongbong Marcos. 

I also caught a glimpse of the equally infamous or should I say, “notorious” Cape Bojeador.  This ancient lighthouse was a relic from our colonial past, back when the Spaniards had galleons crossing over from the different continents with valuable cargoes ranging from spices, to tobacco and abaca hemp, to gold, and cacao beans. With its central pavilion design, its so-called “twin” is Cape Engano on Palaui island in Sta.Ana. While it is still functioning to this day and currently being manned by the Philippine Coast Guard, it is said to be quite “haunted”. 

But according to Manong Arnel, this stretch of road in Burgos is known for many “hauntings”. Lots of vehicular accidents happen along the way since the road is full of blind turns and dark corners. One such accident involved a young bride on the way to her own wedding. As such, there are many sightings of a white lady flagging down vehicles. Manong Arnel said he had the misfortune of seeing this ghostly figure during one of his trips on a dark, rainy night when he was driving alone.  

Racing through the national highway, we didn’t have time to see the other Ilocos Norte tourist staples like Paoay, Batac or Sarrat. But somewhere in Pagudpud, I was able to view the majestic coastline of Ilocos Norte, the waves from the South China Sea lapping at the shore and the famed white sand beaches that were supposedly comparable to Boracay.

By then, we were crossing over Patapat viaduct, an engineering feat that connected Ilocos to Cagayan Valley. One enters the bridge in Ilocos Norte and exits at the other end in Claveria, Cagayan. This piece of infrastructure is another credit to the older Marcos, but there were many rumors surrounding its construction. It is said it was only constructed to cover up a supposed “treasure-hunting” expedition for Yamashita’s gold loot from World War II.  I got all these stories from Manong Arnel, who besides being our driver, proved to be quite the tourist guide as well. 

The Northern “Hook” of the Philippines

After catching a late breakfast at Sanchez-Mira, we passed by Pamplona and stopped to see its old church which has recently been renovated. It still has the original foundations made of coralstone, but the red brick additions are fairly new. The old, cracked bell that fell from the belltower is now encased in glass and displayed at the front of the church. There are many old churches already in ruins in Cagayan, but this one dedicated to St. Peter, the martyr and St John Nepomuceno were one of the lucky ones faithfully restored. Since its establishment in the 1600s, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1721, before finally succumbing to ruin in the 1970s. The community gathered funds for its restoration and in the 1990s, its reconstruction began.  

And so we passed by the towns of Abulug, Ballesteros, Allacapan, Camalaniugan, Sta. Teresita and Gonzaga enroute to Sta. Ana. One thing unique about Cagayan is that it is traversed by a myriad of waterways flowing from its mountains or stemming from the great Cagayan River. As a result, the province is also characterized by its numerous bridges connecting the different municipalities. As we drove on, I commented that I have never before seen and crossed over so many bridges in my life!

When we finally reached Sta. Ana, the operator of the resort we were staying at welcomed us with a great spread of seafood choices, freshly caught by the local fishermen. After a late lunch, we were encouraged to take a dip in the pool and take it easy. Sta.Ana’s big come-on is really the boat ride and island-hopping around Palaui island, and it usually takes at least one whole day. Good weather is essential also because the waves can get pretty big and rough around this tip of Luzon. However, the entire Sta.Ana experience deserves its own piece. Hence, I am skipping that. 

We spent two days in Sta.Ana before we decided to head for Tuguegarao. By this time, our initial agreement with Manong Arnel to bring us to Sta.Ana had extended to taking us as far as Tuguegarao. As a bonus, we took him along to Palaui island and its environs. He said it was also his first time there and he seemed to enjoy himself.

Tracking “upstream” the Cagayan river, we passed by Lal-lo and Gattaran, going further south to Alcala, Amulung, Iguig, before reaching Tuguegarao. Strange as it may seem, the Cagayan river exits “upward” to Aparri and that is actually going “downstream”, as the locals would say. 

We missed checking out the old churches and ruins in Lal-lo and Gattaran, but managed to glimpse the refurbished church of Alcala and buy some of the famous carabao milk candy.  We also just had enough time to visit Iguig and its famous life-size figures depicting the Stations of the Cross.  Set upon the rolling hills of Iguig, the 14 stations showing the Passion of Christ is laid out against the ancient church of St James and the great Cagayan River. This is the reason Iguig is a perfect Lenten season pilgrimage site.

One thing I always marveled at in Iguig are the old stone steps behind the Resurrection statue. These stairs start from the river below and lead up to the church proper itself. Local historians say it was used by the Spanish elite – government officials and clerics who came to Iguig via the Cagayan river This lends credence to what a senior brod told me once, that there was no highway then for landtrips, and the waterways were a faster mode of travel. This is also the reason why most of the old churches face towards the waterways and not the current roads or streets.   

All throughout this trek, mountain ranges and rolling hills rose and fell across our panoramic view. Lush vegetation fit for livestock-raising like cattle, carabaos and goats still abound. With this vast landscape of open spaces are not only opportunities for agriculture and food production, but also for some eco-tourism. For hidden behind those mountains and forests are numerous unexplored cave systems, waterfalls, and streams. And for every typhoon that has swept across these lands, its people have endured. 

Cagayan Valley Standards: Our Lady of Piat and Callao Cave

Arriving in Tuguegarao, I expected Giselle and Jopay to be utterly exhausted from our cross-country land trip. They really were bone-tired already, but they weren’t done yet. They still had to go see Our Lady of Piat and the prospect of seeing Callao Cave in Penablanca gave them that burst of energy to explore Cagayan Valley some more. The sheer excitement of seeing these amazing, new places made them forget that we were all tired from the long-distance drives, that we were all sunburned from the boatrides going around Palaui island, or that we were bound to endure another 10 to 12 hours on the road on the bus going back to Manila.      

Visiting with Toni’s family, we were able to get a few hours rest and get some hot food inside us. We reserved the visit to Piat the next day after a good night’s sleep. 

Piat is a mere 30 to 45 minute drive from Tuguegarao. The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat is another pilgrimage site comparable to Manaoag in Pangasinan and Penafrancia in Naga. Her legend includes miracles performed at the height of typhoons and floods, or tribal wars between local indigenous peope. She is believed to grant petitions and special intentions. Toni and I still believe that our mutual prayers to her made us find each other. Since then, we have considered her our family Patroness. And ever since I passed my Bar Exams after a visit to Her, I make it a point to visit every time I am in Tuguegarao. (Jopay and Giselle too found their own miracle a few days later when after several long months, Jopay finally got the call he was waiting for about a job abroad.)

For any Region 2 visitor, Callao Cave is a must-see. Composed of at least seven (7) caverns, this site now claims to have the oldest evidence of early humans inhabiting the Philippine islands. A recent archeological expedition in Callao Cave dug up some prehistoric bones which displaced the Tabon Cave Man of Palawan as the oldest human being found in the Philippines. Carbon-dating and other tests proved that the bones found in Callao were much older than that found in Palawan.

For some avid movie-goers, Callao’s “cathedral-like” cavern near the entrance would look very familiar since it was used in a recent John Lloyd and Bea Alonzo movie. Due to its great space and the altar-like figures carved into its walls, this cavern has been made into a mini-chapel of sorts, complete with some wooden pews.

Further on, there would be other images and figures formed by water and minerals flowing through this cave for hundreds of years. They have been identified and humorously named after religious icons, cartoon characters, or common personalities, as our youthful tourist guides gamely took imaginative photos of us alongside them. 

A site to marvel at are still the big “holes” at top of the cave which lets in sunshine to light the inner recesses of the cave. Catching this sight in a good photo, light streaming in against the backdrop of stone and vegetation, is utterly awe-inspiring and one can’t help but wonder at the beauty of nature. 

Meanwhile, our young guides would show us various stalactites and stalagmites still wet with water and shining like crystals. They say this is proof that the cave is “alive” and is still growing. But by the sheer smell in some areas, the stink of guano from bats’ waste is enough proof the cave is indeed a haven for life. Overhead, swooping in and out of the big “holes”, different birds have also made their homes in the vegetation growing in every nook and cranny of the cave. Behind some rocks, I saw some plastic-like material with some weird, intricate design, and mentioned it to our guide. He nonchantly commented it was a snake-skin, molted off by some recent resident.  

Although the sun was slowly setting on the horizon, we decided to take that standard “riverboat ride” that comes with a visit to Callao. Exiting the caverns, we went down to the Pinacanauan river where the original entrance of the caves were. In the olden days, the only way to visit the caves was through the river, climbing up the steep steps to the cavern opening overhead. Since then, some locals have begun the enterprise of ferrying visitors either to see this old entrance or the famous “bat cave” where bats exit in droves once twilight falls, or even to take a quick shower under the “Mororan”. Nevertheless, this short boatride gives one a glimpse of how this river too is teeming with life. From its deep green waters are freshwater fish, shrimps and crabs which the local indigenous people - the Agtas, catch either for their own sustenance or to be sold. Fed by the mountains above, the river’s constant flow is mostly gentle, rising and ebbing only to the rains that fall further up the mountains where the river originates.

I captured one of my best sunset photos on Pinacanauan River. It was dramatic, uniquely calming, heralding the day’s end. Against the backdrop of the adjacent mountains, the waters of this tributary seem harmless, but locals have known of drownings even in shallow waters. They say the river’s “guardian” takes one victim every year, so swimmers are warned to take precautions. In the rainy season, these waters can also rise to such heights and overrun the nearby bridge and alternate route. I suspect even the small Agta village residing nearby gets evacuated when that happens.

Speaking of rains, during typhoon season, a visit to Callao Cave is discouraged. Primarily because it would be dark and wet inside it, and risk of slipping on the moist rocks and stairway is highly probable. Moreover, the most common way to reach the site is by the winding road that is usually blocked by sudden landslides. Even during the dry season when sudden rains come, a surprise rockslide can occur. We actually passed remnants of a few of these mudslides which have been recently cleared.

A rather hectic tour almost always equals famished tourists; and just as any tiring day may be perfectly capped, I also end this piece by citing the famous, must-try Pansit Batil Patung.  Filling, satisfying, overwhelming. Enough Said. The End. Bow.   

My Longganisa Love Affair (repost from 2011)

I’m a morning person by nature, and my early days call for breakfast being my most important meal. Just as eggs are breakfast staples for me, I also consider a standard, meat-based protein source as a vital part of my morning meal. Thus, began my love affair with the longganisa.

While I’m an avowed fan of coldcuts or processed meats, I will gladly exchange the Western-styled hotdogs and sausages for local longganisa come breakfast time. Here in Manila, the more popular version is the Kapangpangan-styled longganisa made commercially-available by such brand names as “Pampanga’s Best” or “Tita’s”. About two inches in length and really stout even when cooked, this Central Luzon longganisa is sweet with large chunks of fat inside. It’s reddish color is also because of its extensive use of salitre that acts both as a sweetener and preservative.

I’ve always been partial to the garlicky and vinegary longganisas of the North. I grew up with relatives from Ilocos bringing with them pasalubongs of Vigan longganisa whenever they visited us. But the problem with this Ilocano longganisa is that it quickly shrinks up when cooked, so one would need at least three or four pieces before one feels completely satisfied. The same goes for the Laoag variety; after initially cooking them in a small amount of water and waiting for its own oil to come out, the longganisa shrivels up to about an inch-long, bite-size only. Meanwhile, the Baguio version is slightly more fatty and rounded in shape, but the unique garlic and vinegar taste still remains.

There’s a reason why our Ilocos longganisa is processed differently. Up North, we have an abundance of the small, Ilocano garlics and the sukang Iloko available to us. In preparing the concoction for Vigan longganisa, besides equal portions of lean and fatty ground pork, great, big portions of chopped garlic and sukang Iloko are mixed together with some salt and black pepper. Occasionally, some soy sauce is added for extra flavor and color. After being inserted into pork intestines lining and duly stringed-apart, they must be dried well under the heat of the sun. This step is quite important in ensuring the longganisa will last and not spoil prematurely. Improper drying results in bad-smelling and odd-tasting longganisa. As such, this procedure is strictly followed in the Ilocos region and the adjoining areas of the Cordillera, including Abra.

Without the supply of native Ilocano garlics or sukang Iloko, adjustments have been made using the large garlics of the Taiwan variety and any generic, commercially-available vinegar. Unfortunately, the taste just wouldn’t be quite the same. It has also been said that the secret to longganisa-making is that the meat should come from a freshly-butchered pig. With the pork’s juices and essential enzymes still present, the ground meat reacts well with the spices and natural preservatives.

Meanwhile, Longganisang Lukban from Quezon is by far the closest thing to the Vigan longganisa. Based on its taste, garlic and vinegar are the same preservatives used in this Southern Tagalog version. But instead of strings to tie up its ends, they divide up the pieces using either toothpicks or some other wood-based material. Hence, each piece also becomes about an inch long after being cooked. As for the taste, it’s the salty, garlic flavor that dominates the tastebuds.

Cebu’s longganisa, on the other hand, is quite fatty and rounded just like the Baguio version. But the use of atsuete as natural food coloring makes it prone to staining clothing. One little splash of oil from the cooking longganisa will ruin one’s clothes forever. On my visits to Cebu, I noticed this type of longganisa is quite spicy because of the black peppers used in its meat mix.

There are known “lean-meat” variations of the longganisa. During one of my trips to Tuguegarao, Cagayan, I was able to try their own local version which was full of lean ground pork. Without much fatty pieces, the longganisa seems a little tougher and harder to chew. Also, because there is not much fat to dissolve, it keeps it’s inch and a half length even when fully cooked. Just like it’s Ilocano cousins, it’s processed using garlic and vinegar instead of salitre.

In Nueva Ecija, there are “beef-based” longganisas which are actually called “batutays”. Batutays are less garlicky and vinegary, but it’s salty taste gives one a clue to its processing techniques. It’s also not advisable to fry batutays; they are best served after being grilled over charcoal.

Once cooked, longganisa is still best served with rice, whether fried or plain. Eggs in whatever form are also considered a perfect combination for longganisa meals. And to counteract its salty, vinegary or garlicky taste, tomatoes are an ideal contrast that rounds out the overall eating experience.

Hot and fresh from the frying pan, or cold for being out for a whole day, longganisa makes for a tasty all-day breakfast viand.

Ways Forward: Recommendations (SoloParents#6)

WAYS FORWARD:

A. Specific Recommendations

1. The law must be amended to harmonize its provisions with that of the IRR. Not only were there a lot of disparities, there were a lot of insertions and inclusions in the IRR that can be deemed a ultra vires since they have no concrete basis in the original provisions of the law. Such “add-ons” while meant to “correct” certain gaps in the law are certainly “out-of-bounds” and illegal. Such additional requirements and inclusions must now be formalized in the new law.

2. Currently, the Special Review Committee (SRC) established only in the IRR is operating by virtue of a mere Terms of Reference (TOR). Their legal personality must now be formalized in the law as the primary monitoring and coordinating body for the implementation of the Solo Parents Act. Even as this inter-agency body is functioning already, it would still be better that they finally be “institutionalized” through a clear legal authority mandated under an amended law.

3. The true intention of the law that is to provide social protection for a vulnerable sector like single parents can be better exemplified if the real target beneficiaries, that is both the parents and their children, are clearly identified and their situation more deeply analyzed before any programs or services are developed in their favor.

4. As such, it is highly recommended that the bulk of the amendments be focused on the definitions of who can be considered a “Solo Parent”. This would entail some clarifications and considerations such as the inclusion of “adoptive” parents in line with “alternative parental care” similar to foster parents and legal guardians, consideration of “divorced” parents since it is similar to those who are separated, legally or de facto and those whose marriages have been legally annulled.

5. The existing benefits and privileges granted to Solo Parents and their kids should also be reviewed if they are truly responsive to their current needs.  Any limitations on eligibility for benefits based on income bracket or economic status should be clearly anchored on special or additional financial benefits (such as the social pension and free flu vaccines for indigent seniors) prioritizing poorer Solo Parents. Otherwise, the proposed amendments should simply do away with the poverty threshold as a requirement and provide all Solo Parents applicable programs and services regardless of income. It is highly recommended that counseling, stress debriefing, legal advise and other “general” assistance be provided to ALL solo parents. Since leave privileges and flexible work hours are only applicable to those formally employed, other “responsive and applicable” benefits and privileges should be granted to other Solo Parents such kasambahays.

6. The proposed discount privileges in the pending bills are not feasible for a variety of reasons discussed above. Besides the expected resistance from other stakeholders, the real clamor from the Solo Parents sector is for more income generating opportunities, whether it is in the formal or informal sector. And this includes ensuring access to opportunities for self-sufficiency and financial independence of both Solo Parents and their children. Thus, programs and services currently provided by DOLE, CSC, TESDA, PTTC under the DTI, and the DA should be emphasized and strengthened.

7. Speaking of educational needs, the law must ensure that both Solo Parents and their children are able to access formal educational, vocational and technical training opportunities. There are existing programs under the DepEd, CHED and TESDA, and these include scholarships and financial assistance which should be taken advantage of.  Any other new programs seeking to address the needs of the Solo Parent families like quotas and reserved slots in scholarships or MOAs with private educational institutions, must focus on this aspect.

8. Another major issue of concern of Solo Parents is on healthcare needs. Just like educational needs, there are current government programs, specifically under the DOH and the PhilHealth which may be maximized. Hence, these may harnessed and strengthened further.  

9. The need for legal advise and counselling must also be addressed by the proposed amendments. This is especially relevant when the Solo Parent has an accompanying case for VAWC under RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act of 2003. Even as female Solo Parents enjoy the legal services of women’s rights NGOs, legal assistance must be institutionalized as part of the comprehensive benefits package to be made available to female or male Solo Parents nationwide.

10. Present leave privileges and flexible work schedule should also be expanded to apply to those under MOAs, job orders, and contract of service in the government service. Already this is being enjoyed without distinction in the private sector as per DOLE guidelines, so it would seem fair for CSC to also consider extending this to the thousands of “non-regular” employees in the public sector.

11. Other possible amendments to the law may consider bringing back the additional personal exemption of “Head of the Family” as a different rate from single or married individuals in due recognition of the added burden of “single-income” households.

Related Issues & Implementation Concerns (SoloParents#5)

Other Related Issues and Implementation Concerns

In the course of reviewing the relevance of the law and its current effectiveness, there were a lot of implementation-related issues that were raised. While these foregoing issues are mere details which may be best addressed during the IRR drafting and formulation of implementing guidelines, the context and insight they provide may be worth considering for any other possible amendments.

1. Lack of National Database on Solo Parents

Presently, there is no specific agency or body that can determine the exact number of Solo Parents in the Philippines. While the SRC has been established by the Chairmanship and Secretariat lodged with the DSWD, deriving figures and statistics is not really its primary function. They once asked for submissions about Solo Parent employees per member agency, but that only worked for offices with established Solo Parent organizations and support groups. And this is only for government agencies, not including the private sector which the DOLE does not have available statistics on either.

When the then National Statistics Office (NSO) was asked about the registration of birth certificates which includes the legitimacy status of children, their representative replied that the current practice of registering births to reflect the legitimacy status of kids, may still not be an adequate or accurate system for determining the true number of solo parents.[1]

Meanwhile, the issuance of Solo Parents Identification Cards has also been raised as a basis for determining the actual number of Solo Parents nationwide. However, as in the experience of senior citizens, because the law and the rules specified that the ID issuance be done by the cities and municipalities at the LGU level, there is still no “centralized” database at the national level.

2. Additional Supporting Documents for Solo Parents IDs Issuance

Speaking of Solo Parents IDs, while there are guidelines already providing for the proper issuance of Solo Parents IDs, it has been observed that there is great difficulty in producing the “supporting” documents required, ie., death certificate, declaration of annulment, medical certificate of physical/mental incapacity because these entail additional expense and effort.

While requiring these legal documents as official proof cannot be done away with, LGU social workers are enjoined to rely more on their personal assessment and interview with a Solo Parent applicant especially in cases of abandonment and de fact separation. In addition, procedures must be made flexible enough to allow official referrals from DSWD Field Offices and/or other LGUs, as well as other additional proof as notarized affidavits or barangay certifications to be used as basis for Solo Parents status and ID issuance.

Moreover, this issue is the same for Indigenous People (IPs) and other ethnic groups. As pointed out by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Solo Parents who are IPs also have a problem with documentary requirements such as birth certificates to prove minor children as dependents. It has been recommended that while they are encouraged to still apply for late registration of their kids, additional proof such as certification or affidavit from their local community or tribal leaders may also suffice.[2]

 3. Lack of Awareness on RA 8972 and its Benefits: More Advocacy

A high awareness level about RA 8972, its benefits and relevant procedures is not only necessary but essential for all stakeholders and duty bearers. It is a sad reality that as with many social welfare legislations, not all DSWD employees or LGU social services staff have the proficiency or expertise to fully discuss Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents Act of 2000. While many may have heard of RA 8972, not everyone is familiar enough with the laws exact provisions such as its benefits and privileges.

During the 2012 forum-workshops, even the designated Focal Persons claim not to be confident enough because they were newly assigned or because there is really no specific Solo Parents “sector” that is given focus, and it is usually subsumed under women’s welfare or under family and/or community only. Similarly, even focal persons such as City or Municipal Social Welfare Officers at the LGU level are not certain who are actually “solo parents” and who can really benefit under this law.

As such, the correct and uniform interpretation of who should be considered a Solo Parent is critical at this point. This can be taken as a problem and an opportunity at the same time. Without a proper orientation on who is a Solo Parent, some LGUs can be too restrictive and limit the issuance of Solo Parents IDs on technicalities. Some eligible Solo Parents can be “disqualified” because the LGU social worker has a different interpretation.[3]

At the same time, they can be as flexible as they want to be. Presently, since the LGUs issue the IDs and are providing additional Solo Parents benefits and privileges under the authority of local ordinances, they have been given much leeway and flexibility in covering the persons they see fit the profile of s Solo Parent.

4. Institutional Arrangements: The SRC and Empowering the Sector

This brings us to the very important matter of having a centralized authority for implementation and monitoring of the law and its programs. The SRC has to be legitimized under the law through an amendment. It cannot rely on its existence by virtue of the IRR and their current TOR. Their functions and duties must be clearly spelled out. This includes providing the necessary guidance and uniform interpretations of the law and its provisions – be it determining who really is a Solo Parent and what necessary documentary proof are acceptable for the proper issuance of ID cards, to whether or not some essential services like counseling. stress debriefing, temporary shelter and legal assistance should be provided only to those below the poverty threshold and merely granting leave benefits and flexible work schedules to those above poverty level, or to formulating and developing policies that will be truly responsive to the specific needs of all Solo Parents around the Philippines.

To assist the SRC or whatever lead agency or body in studying and reviewing these matters, the Solo Parents sector itself must be encouraged to organize themselves; not just because a support network is important, but having a consensus on issues and a unified voice is essential in articulating their needs to legislators and policy-makers. Organizing and forming networks is likewise very empowering; it can possibly lead to more visibility, as well as more participation and representation in critical venues like Congressional hearings on pending bills, sectoral consultation dialogues and other special meetings.

However, it must be emphasized that Solo Parents groups are encouraged to also formalize their existence and legally register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to have legal personality. Not only will this allow them to be legally recognized by NGAs and LGUs, but this will also enable them to officially transact with government bodies especially in accessing budget allocations or financial assistance. In addition, they may even be invited to sit as regular NGO or People’s Organization representatives in the SRC or similar inter-agency or multi-sectoral bodies.

            Hence, while the law and the IRR may provide for some representation and participation from Solo Parents groups in the SRC, a similar guideline as the one utilized by the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB) for senior citizens for NGO/PO accreditation with the DSWD may be formulated.

 

---

[1] Special Inter-Agency Meeting on the Solo Parents Act or RA 8972, DSWD Central Office, 2011

[2] Statement by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) at the May 21, 2015 TWG meeting at the House of Representatives

[3] Sharing from the 2012 Forum-Workshop on RA 8972 held in DSWD-NCR, Legarda, Manila