Nineteenth Congress 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
 Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna 
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
February 3, 2025
12:32 pm
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Nineteenth Congress 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
 Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna 
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;
(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 a focus on creating
a safe space for expression and collaboration;
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(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. 6. 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. 7. Repealing Clause.- All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, and administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby amended, modified, superseded, or repealed accordingly. 
SEC. 8. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved.