Recognizing the vital role of a father in the family, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD), Field Office 8 – Eastern Visayas, held an Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Training (ERPAT) for recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs) and former convicted individuals who are now parolees.
The Monday (September 23) activity was held at the municipal hall of Burauen, Leyte as part of the Family Week celebration of the DSWD FO-Eastern Visayas.
“Anchored on the 2024 Family Week theme, ‘Pamilyang Tumutugon sa Pagbabago ng Panahon,’ the training was aimed at strengthening the fathers’ capabilities and allow them to understand their responsibilities as heads of their families,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Wednesday (September 25).
The ERPAT aims to enhance and strengthen the parenting capabilities of Filipino fathers in performing their familial tasks and responsibilities and help them achieve an active and equal role with their spouses or partners in fostering the optimal development of their children and other family members.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the ERPAT also aims to assist fathers in taking active leadership in the community in promoting positive family life.
“The training has nine modules, including Understanding Yourself as a Person; Accepting Your Role as a Father; Becoming Your Husband’s Best Friend; Fathers as Child Caregivers; and Promoting Family Spirituality, among others,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said that through these modules, the RPWUDs and parolees were given the opportunity to re-establish themselves and their roles as fathers and family members.
The nation observes the 32nd National Family Week on September 23 to 27 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60 issued on September 28, 1992, which declared the fourth week of September every year as Family Week.
The event aims to promote and strengthen family unity and relationship through meaningful celebration and promotion of Filipino values.
