Certificate of Single Parenthood

Our HR told me that I need to have a Certificate of Single Parenthood from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in order to avail of the 7-day-per-year single parent leave. Gawd... I am NOT married hence I am TAXED as head of family and I HAVE a child to whom my benefits are extended yet I need further proof.

I inquired what the requirements are and the DSWD representative told me I need an ID, my child's birth certificate, my ITR and proof why I am a single parent. I asked what kind of proof. She gave me examples like death of husband, affidavit of abandonment or Certificate of Non-Marriage. Naturally, I asked if I can execute an affidavit that I ejected the father from my life. Immaterial! Irrelevant! Therefore, impertinent! I need to get the Certificate of Non-Marriage, of course. Afterwards, a DSWD representative will visit my house to investigate how we live and then they will either give me a single parent ID or not.

Why is it that single mothers are viewed as victims? Is it uncommon for a woman to have a child because she wanted one? Need it be a failure in getting a permanent commitment from the man? Need it be a "nasty" deed by the man like abandonment or desertion? Why can it seem unlikely that it is the woman's call to be a single mom? Is this a dysfunctional situation?

In fairness to Kayla's biological father, he was a good guy. Sweet and soft-spoken who even offered to marry me which I declined because I honestly was not sure who the father of my baby was. Anyway, he was too cloying for me. And when he kept showing up just when I was about to head for my weekend mahjongg sessions, I had to tell him that he was not obligated to play a role in both our lives. Maybe I acted selfishly and unfairly by depriving him and Kayla the privilege of knowing each other but that was how I was back then (possibly until now).

I'll probably not qualify for this program because it has restrictions on salaries and way of life which is another injustice to me! DSWD explained that the program is for the poor. Why can I not have 7 days of vacation leave a year simply because I am not within the salary bracket that is classified as poor. I AM POOR! I have no life!

I protest!!!

Oh well, the program is only for children who are under 18 so it is not going to be useful to me for long. Besides, I am already discombobulated as to how I can use the use-or-lose 51.24 leave days this year.

Nonetheless, I protest!!!