HELP FOR SOLO PARENTS, LOOM WEAVERS, LAID OUT

24 June 2021 – The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under Betty Fangasan has regularly organized and monitored Solo Parent Organizations (SPOs) in the Summer Capital from January 1 to June 15, this year, under its Family Welfare Program.

This was disclosed by CSWDO deputy head Liza Bulayungan during the City Hall flag raising rites, June 21, led by Rep. Mark Go, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.

She said the SPO serves as a support group to its members on how they could overcome the challenges of being a solo parent to their children.

A total of 253 individuals were given Solo Parent IDs during the first semester of the year with 112 of them being new applicants and 141 for renewal.

This shows that the public is now aware of the rights and privileges of solo parents stipulated under the Solo Parents Act or Republic Act No. 8972 and city ordinance no. 99, series of 2018, that provides additional benefits for solo parents, Bulayungan said.

Meanwhile, the CSWDO has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology regional office (DOST-CAR)  in creating the project, “Upgrading the loom weaving industry in the City of Baguio”.

She said the city government has allotted P1.5 million for the project with P557,000 from the DOST-CAR as its counterpart.

Target weavers and beneficiaries of the undertaking underwent a training on basic fashion trends and designs on May 19 and 20 to upgrade their skills and knowledge of the industry.

As an output of the undertaking, Bulayungan said, private individuals and entities including two Manila-based companies have been purchasing products from local weavers.

“It is of great help to our weavers since they are among the groups whose livelihood are affected by the pandemic,” she said.

The weavers were also able to showcase and sell their products during the Saleng Festival exhibit at Session Road on June 6 and 13 in partnership with the city environment and parks management office under Atty. Rhenan Diwas, Bulayungan said. – Gaby B. Keith