Restaurants in Quezon City have been reminded to strictly implement an Ordinance providing a 20-percent discount to registered solo parents on the first and last Sunday of every month.

As the city commemorates the 1st National Solo Parents Week and the 10th QC Solo Parents Week, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said Ordinance SP No. 2766, S-2018, introduced by Councilor Racquel Malangen, is already being fully implemented and solo parents can avail of it.

“Itong batas na 20-percent discount every first and last Sunday. Ginawa na namin ang IRR, ibinigay na namin sa Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD). Ibinaba na po iyan sa lahat ng business establishments,” Belmonte said.

“Ano ang ating magiging tungkulin? Isumbong ang mga establisimyentong hindi tumutupad dito. Saan isusumbong? Sa Helpline 122,” Belmonte added, ordering the BPLD to remind business establishments to fully implement the said Ordinance.

The Ordinance states that solo parents must present a valid Solo Parent ID issued by the Quezon City Social Services Development Department (QC SSDD) before they can avail of the 20-percent discount.

For first offense, violators will receive a written warning from the SSDD or the BPLD. A fine of P2,000 will be imposed for the second offense and a P5,000 fine and a cancellation or revocation of business permit for the third offense.

Belmonte also assured solo parents of the city government’s full support, saying her administration has lined up several programs and projects for their welfare while waiting for the full implementation of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.

“Naririyan ang ating Pangkabuhayang QC na para sa lahat, kabilang na kayong mga solo parent kung kayo ay papasa at may mga planong negosyo,” said Belmonte, referring to the P20,000 cash aid to those who want to start their own business.

The city government also has the Small Income Generating Assistance (SIGA) program which provides additional capital to entrepreneurs like existing sari-sari store owners. 

Solo parents may also avail of the city government’s various programs, such as educational assistance, medical assistance, tablets for Grade 1 to 12 public school students, school supplies, and scholarships for senior high school, technical-vocational and college students. 

Meanwhile, under the city’s social welfare assistance program, 3000 indigent solo parents can receive financial assistance amounting to P500 monthly or P6000 per year. 

The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act has already been enacted into law, but the national government is still finalizing the guidelines for its full implementation.

“Ang national government  ang magbubuo kung paano ito ipapatupad, at ibababa nila sa ating mga LGU kung ano ang dapat na katungkulan natin,” she explained.

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