Applicant Raises Concerns Over Slow Solo Parent ID & Housing Application Process in Valenzuela
A 47-year-old LGBTQIA+ community applicant has raised concerns over the slow processing of a Solo Parent ID in Valenzuela City.
Armando, also known as Amanda Alvarez, said the application process had taken nearly three months because of repeated requests for additional documents. Alvarez, who works as a housekeeper, needs the ID to apply for the city’s housing program for solo parents after their home in Barangay Daang Uldog was demolished.
Alvarez explained that the situation became frustrating because they believed the requirements had already been completed. They also said they were hurt by a staff member’s reported question about how they could qualify as a solo parent because they were gay.
Alvarez takes care of three children left in their care by a sibling. They explained that whenever their sibling became pregnant and gave birth, they stepped in to raise the children rather than leave their nieces and nephews without support.
Despite the incident, Alvarez clarified that the CSWD employees did not insult or disrespect them. Their complaint focused on the slow process, which they hoped would improve. They also admitted recording the incident because they felt they had no other way to show the public their experience.
However, Mayor Weslie Gatchalian maintained that the application took time because some documents were still missing, including a birth certificate and proof that Alvarez was related to the children and responsible for their care.
The mayor added that the CSWD conducted verification on October 15 and 22 because of data privacy concerns involving the church’s release of baptismal certificates.
Gatchalian also revealed that Alvarez’s Solo Parent ID had already been approved on the day of the incident and was ready for release.
Alvarez later expressed gratitude upon learning that the ID could be claimed. CSWD staff members also reportedly apologized and explained the reasons for the delay.
The mayor stressed that Valenzuela provides equal services to all residents, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as long as applicants meet the required documents.
