By Billy Begas
House Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas has introduced a measure seeking to establish Refuge and Assistance Centers that would help pregnant women aged 21 and below, who were abandoned by their partners.
“There is a saying that ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ This is the government’s way of being that village that will help solo parents in ensuring the proper growth and development of their children,” Vargas said.
The proposed Young Women’s Refuge and Assistance Center Act (House Bill 3413) mandates the establishment of a Refuge and Assistance Center in every province, city, and municipality for pregnant women aged 21 and below.
The centers are specifically designed to assist young mothers who have been abandoned by their partners, providing them with temporary shelter, free medical assistance, and prenatal care.
The measure also provides programs for livelihood skills to help these mothers and their infants transition toward independence.
Vargas is also pushing for the passage of the Free Childcare Services Act (HB 3404), which seeks to establish free childcare centers for children under three years old to help indigent and solo parents who are often forced to choose between employment and child-rearing.
By providing a professional facility where infants can receive proper nutrition and cognitive development, Vargas said the bill allows solo parents to pursue careers or seek work with peace of mind.
The facilities will also be used for acquiring good child-rearing techniques and developing responsible parenting habits.
