Republic of the Philippines
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 2 of Republic Act No. 11036 or The Mental Health Act of 2018 provides that “ 
The state affirms the basic right of all Filipinos to mental health as well as the fundamental rights 
of people who require mental health services.” 
The Solo Parents' Welfare Act (Republic Act No. 8972) in the Philippines offers certain 
protections and advantages to single parents; nonetheless, there may be situations in which 
particular benefits or groups of single parents are not specifically mentioned or covered in full. 
One of which is the limited emphasis on the mental health and emotional support of solo parents, 
which is a significant challenge many face while raising children alone. While there are 
provisions for parental guidance and counseling, these may not always be adequately available or 
widely promoted.
Thus, the proposed measure aims to create mental health programs and services for solo 
parents to help them cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of raising their 
children alone. Acknowledging that solo parenting can be highly stressful, often leading to 
feelings of isolation, anxiety, and burnout, it is crucial to incorporate mental health support into 
the current welfare programs for solo parents.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
CHARISSE ANNE C. HERNANDEZ
Lone District, Calamba City
July 23, 2025
3:09 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez
AN ACT ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE SUPPORT OF 
THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF SOLO PARENTS, PROVIDING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1.  Short Title.- This Act shall be known as “Solo Parents Mental Health and 
Wellness Act”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.- It is the policy of the State to promote the family as the 
foundation of the nation, strengthen its solidarity and ensure its total development. Towards this 
end, it shall provide holistic support to all solo parents in the country. The State shall ensure that the 
mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of a solo parent is given importance.
SEC. 3.  Programs and Services. - The Department of Social Welfare and Development 
(DSWD) and the Philippine Mental Health Association, shall establish and promote the following 
programs and services for the welfare and well-being of solo parents:
(a) Regular mental health assessments  of solo parents  every year, conducted by
registered and licensed psychologists or related professionals;
(b) Regular counseling sessions for solo parents, focusing on stress management,
emotional stability, and coping mechanisms;
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(c) Stress-reduction programs, such as workshops that teach mindfulness, meditation, 
relaxation techniques, and time-management;
(d) Access to peer support groups and mentoring programs, with focus on creating a safe 
space for expression and collaboration;
(e) Periodic seminars led by mental health professionals to raise awareness and improve 
understanding about mental health issues among solo parents;
(f) Any other programs and services deemed necessary by the Department of Social 
Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Mental Health Association.
SEC 4. Funding. - The financial assistance necessary for the effective implementation of the 
programs and services under this Act shall be included in the yearly General Appropriations Act 
(GAA) under the DSWD.
SEC 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations- The DSWD shall promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within (90) days upon its effectivity.
SEC. 5. Separability Clause.- If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, 
the other provisions, not affected thereby, shall remain valid and subsisting.
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause.- All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, proclamations 
and administrative regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
amended, modified, superseded, or repealed accordingly.
SEC. 7. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved.