Lived Experiences of RA 8972 Solo Parent Act of 2000

Abstract

This paper explores the lived experiences of solo parents of Cebu City upon the conception of RA 8972 known as the Solo Parent Act of 2000. An in-depth study of the solo parent’s plight in their daily challenges in terms of financial and time management, disciplining and instilling time-honored values in their children, and social stigma. A shared narrative on circumstances that lead them to become a solo parent, the availability and enjoyment of solo parent benefits as mandated by law. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative research method, it explores an in-depth investigation of the participants' lived experiences. Ten solo parents from different age groups were interviewed as participants. The study goes to the fluidity of parental roles away from the lenses of society as it covers LGBT members’ acts as parents to some. It becomes evident in the study that solo parents developed fortitude as they stay in control of the status quo solidified family relationships, acts as home counselor, and hope for the future. Sustainable livelihood programs, scholarships for vocational courses, access to legal aid services, and personality and development training are recommended to uplift the lives of every solo parent, edifying the principle of social justice.