The CCLGSPD, in partnership with the CASS Psychology and Human Services Department, conducted a Solo Parent Seminar on April 22, 2026, at the Old Session Hall in Anao, Tarlac. The activity was held under the CARE Program as part of the municipality's local celebration of Solo Parent Week.
The seminar brought together solo parents from across the municipality for a day dedicated to healing, empowerment, and community, reflecting the local government's commitment to supporting one of society's most resilient sectors.
The event was attended by key local government officials who expressed their support and solidarity with the participants. Municipal Mayor Hon. Gian Pierre O. De Dios, Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Concepcion C. Almazan, and Councilor Hon. Perlita B. Cajulao each delivered brief but meaningful messages highlighting the courage, resilience, and strength of solo parents.
The remaining members of the Sangguniang Bayan were also present, including Hon. Arnel S. Oliveros, Hon. Nathan Angelo Macayanan, Hon. Wilmar J. Tabile, Hon. Carlito B. Santos, Hon. Edgar S. Felipe, and Hon. Joel I. Dela Cruz. Also in attendance were ABC President Hon. Manny T. Lapurga and SK Federation President Hon. Syrus T. Tolentino.
The centerpiece of the program was a lecture delivered by Dr. Grace Anne Hasegawa, a faculty member of the Psychology and Human Services Department. Her presentation addressed the mental and emotional challenges unique to solo parents, offering practical strategies and words of encouragement.
Dr. Hasegawa began her session by emphasizing that self-care is not an act of selfishness but a necessity, especially for parents raising children on their own. She guided participants through a stress assessment, encouraging them to evaluate their stress levels and identify the primary sources of stress in their daily lives.
One of the most meaningful activities involved participants writing their personal struggles on a glove, an exercise designed to help them acknowledge and externalize their burdens in a safe and supportive environment.
Dr. Hasegawa also discussed mental health awareness and the importance of recognizing and understanding one's emotions. She introduced calming techniques such as box breathing and grounding exercises to help participants manage stress effectively. The session concluded with discussions on strengthening parent-child relationships, practicing self-love, and a self-affirmation activity that encouraged each participant to recognize and celebrate their inner strength.
