Manual to guide fathers out

CEBU, Philippines - A manual that aims to strengthen the role of fathers in the family has received an upgrade.

The manual, aptly called the Enhanced Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities, aims to strengthen further the father’s role as key partner in child survival, development, protection and participation. 

“It recommended the inclusion of gender sensitivity session in the manual as well as Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere specifically on the Advocacy and Social Mobilization Component, thus, strengthening men’s participation in the practice of non-violent conflict resolution, gender equality and improve performance in parenting,” said state social worker Rosemarie Salazar.

Enhancements were put into the manual starting in 2008 based on recommendations received by the Social Technology Bureau of the Department of Social Welfare and Development  stemming from field visits, consultations and workshops like the project review of the United Nations Population Fund.

UNFPA’s project review was entitled “Strengthening Government Mechanisms in Maintaining Gender in Reproductive Health, Population Development Strategies and Anti-VAW Programs.”

The enhanced manual consists of nine modules: Understanding Myself as a Person, Accepting Your Role as a Father, Becoming Your Wife’s Best Friend, Fathers as Child Caregivers, Promoting Family Spirituality, Fathers as Advocate in the Prevention of Family Violence, Fathers as Advocate in Promoting a Drug-Free Home, Fathers as Advocate in the Prevention of HIV-AIDS and Fathers as Advocate in Promoting Positive Discipline.

The challenge now, Salazar said, is how to maximize the use of the manual at the grassroots level, Salazar said. 

DSWD, for its part, conducted a three-day roll-out training was conducted among service providers from 30 local government units.

Because the manual is in English, Salazar said it is now up to the LGUs to take the initiative to translate the same to the vernacular so it can be understood easily. 

“This enhancement is just a testimony that DSWD is serious in advocating ERPAT among couples. We would like to impart to fathers and mothers the importance of creating a nurturing, trusting and empowering relationship among them and being positive role models for their children,” Salazar explained.  (FREEMAN)