Women’s health and support systems in the Philippines

@Cheryl

Although I do not live in the Philippines, I have visited 8 times and had several relationships while there. My current girlfriend was married but unfortunately her husband died some years ago. There is a Solo Parent Scheme in the Philippines that provides certain benefits to solo parents and she is a member. I think there may be a lot of solo parents there that do not know about the scheme and the benefits that it offers. For example a spouse, family member or guardian of children of an OFW qualifies for this as does a pregnant woman who provides sole parental care or if you have been abandoned by your partner for six months or more and many others qualify also.

I understand the benefits include amongst others 1000 pesos per month if on or below minimum wage, up to 7 days annual parental leave, a flexible working schedule, entitlement to access to childminding centres near the work place and they can receive food, medicine and financial help for home repairs in case of disasters, calamities and pandemics. Solo parents who are not Government or private employees also receive automatic PhilHealth coverage and they get a 10% discount and a break from VAT from the birth of the child up until they are 6 years old on health related purchases including baby formula, prescribed medication and other medical costs.

My girlfriend told me that there are meetings to attend if qualified and I think she mentioned occasional projects similar to community work. Worth knowing though I think for single parents and single OFW's who leave their child with parents when they go overseas and worth having just in case there is a tropical storm or natural disaster that results in damage to the family home.