The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognizes the important role of fathers in sustaining a nurturing and caring environment for their children and spouses.

In order to further empower them, DSWD continues to implement the “Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities” (ERPAT) program to develop the capacity of fathers to accomplish their roles and responsibilities at home and in the society.

ERPAT is one of the parenting interventions of DSWD which provides training on child-rearing, behavioral management of children, gender sensitivity and appreciation of partnership with their spouses, establishment of support networks of fathers in the community, and active participation and involvement in community projects, among others.

The training for fathers aims to enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes as they take on their responsibility to perform familial roles.

Participants are biological fathers (solo fathers, returning migrants/Overseas Filipinos (OFs), released prisoners, or persons with disabilities), adoptive and foster fathers, guardians, or caretakers.

Community leadership

Rosalito Lisondra, one of the participants of the program and ERPAT leader from Brgy. Kasambagan,Cebu City, affirmed how the program has changed his life.

He became a member of ERPAT in 2009 when he was appointed by their barangay captain as president of the organization in their community.

“Akong nakita nindot gyud kaayo ang ERPAT. Sa ERPAT orientation gi focus gyud ang pagka responsible nga papa. Ang kadako sa responsibilidad ngadto sa pamilya” (I observed and I could say that ERPAT is really good. ERPAT orientation focuses on how to be a responsible father and how big this responsibility is to the family), Rosalito added.

Despite his busy schedule as a tool keeper/sales consultant of a company which sells multi-cab air conditions, he makes sure to attend ERPAT meetings. He also uses his leave credits to be able to attend gatherings of the organization.

Aside from trainings and seminars, Rosalito and other members also benefit from their group’s Automated Tubig Machine (ATM) project which provides them with additional income.

“Ang ilaha gyud nga plano (sa ERPAT) ilabi na ngadto sa mga jobless nga papa matagaan gyud sila ug panginabuhian ba or extra income” (ERPAT’s plan is also to provide a livelihood or alternative income for jobless fathers), Rosalito continued.

They were able to establish the ATM from the P10-monthly contribution of members, and from the proceeds of the basketball league that Rosalito and his group organize every weekend.

Currently, the organization maintains two water dispensers. It is targeting to add more water dispensers to cover all sitios of Kasambagan.

Becoming a role model

From 50 members in 2009, the organization now has 150 members from the different sitios of Kasambagan.

“Sa pagkakaron dili pa kaayo nato makita, pero sa umaabot nindot ang epekto kay molig-on ang organisasyon” (We may not see the result of ERPAT yet, but in the future this will have a positive effect because its strengthening the organization), said Rosalito.

He also continues to emphasize the significance of doing his best to be a good example to the community.

“Ang usa ka amahan, modelo sa iyang pamilya. Siya ang mag-giya sa iyang pamilya nga matunhay ug mamaayo ang padulngan sa mga anak” (A father is a role model to his family. He makes sure that he properly guides his family and children), explained Rosalito.

“Sa akoang pagkatawo dili ko moingon nga modelo ko, naningkamot lang ko nga mamahimong maayong amahan ngadto sa akong pamilya nga maoy akong mapaambit ngadto sa akong community” (I do not want to say that I am a role model, I just tried my best to become a good father and set an example in the community).

He added, “Angay mawala na nimo ang mga bisyo. Makita sa imong mga anak nga imong mga buhat maayo, nga mamahimong sundon sa imong mga anak” (One should avoid vices. Make sure that your children can see you doing good deeds that they can follow).

“Sa karon nga panahon, importante kaayo para sa mga amahan nga makahibaw sila unsa ng ERPAT” (It’s important nowadays for the father to know about ERPAT), he ended. -30-