ERPAT program to emphasize role of fathers in child rearing

Child rearing is a responsibility that should be shared by both mother and father.

But it is generally observed that most fathers only concerned themselves on how to earn a living to support the needs of their families disregarding the important role they play in child rearing, says Cathy Yso, head of the Department of Social Welfare Services.

To encourage fathers to actively take part in the upbringing of their children, the Cebu City government is now pushing the barangay councils to conduct an Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Parental Activities and Training, or the ERPAT program, and establish within their barangays the fathers' groups.

Yso said the implementation and support of the barangays to the ERPAT program is seen to encourage fathers to get involved in community programs for their children as it has been noted that the absence of a father's participation is evident in his low attendance during Parents, Teachers and Community Association meetings in schools, mostly attended only by the mother.

"We need to erase the misconception that fathers should only limit themselves as providers. With ERPAT we want to inculcate among the fathers that their presence and participation in the different affairs and concerns of their children especially during their growing up years is indispensable," Yso explained.

Starting today until tomorrow, some 20 fathers from different barangays will undergo Trainor's Training on the ERPAT program. After the training, these parents are expected to organize fathers' organizations in their respective barangays that will take active part in the planning and implementation of children's programs and work side by side with mothers in the upbringing of their children.

Yso said that as soon as ERPAT will be established in all 80 barangays, the next move is to launch all fathers' groups as one federation similar to the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina, a federation of mothers in the barangays. - Garry B. Lao