In the Philippines, a mother and father are often referred to as the “ilaw” (light) and “haligi” (foundation) of a home, respectively. Together, they are responsible for supporting and raising a family. Both parents play an essential role in child rearing and development.
Fathers, in particular, are expected to protect and provide for the family’s needs. For this reason, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) designed a program for Filipino fathers: Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT).
What is ERPAT?
Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT) is a program that focuses on developing and enriching the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of fathers in carrying out their family roles and duties. It involves conducting community-based sessions for fathers and organizing father leaders and volunteers in communities.
The legal bases for ERPAT include the Family Code of the Philippines, which states: “The husband and wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect, and fidelity, and render mutual help and support” (Article 68). It also says that “the management of the household shall be the right and duty of both spouses” (Article 71).
Another legal basis for the program is the Child and Youth Welfare Code, which states that “the father and mother shall exercise jointly just and reasonable parental authority and responsibility over their legitimate children or adopted children” (Chapter I, Article 17).
Objectives of the Program
DSWD Administrative Order No. 40, Series of 2003, “Guidelines on the Implementation of Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT)” presents the program’s general objectives:
- To enhance and strengthen the parenting capabilities of Filipino fathers in performing their familial tasks and responsibilities;
- To help fathers achieve an active and equal role with their spouses/partners in fostering the optimal development of their children and other family members; and
- To encourage fathers to take active leadership in the community in promoting positive family life.
Target Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of the program are “all males who need enhancement of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and skills on fathering who are unable to cope with familial responsibilities.” In particular, priority is given to the following categories:
- Biological fathers (including solo fathers, returning OFWs, released prisoners, persons with disabilities);
- Adoptive fathers; and
- Surrogate fathers (i.e. foster fathers, guardians, caretakers).
Components of the Program
According to Administrative Order No. 40, Series of 2003, the components of the ERPAT program are: (a) advocacy and social mobilization; (b) organization and strengthening of father’s associations; (c) capability building/training; and (d) networking and alliance building.
Advocacy and Social Mobilization
This involves the conduct of public awareness and information campaigns about the program, promoting the important role of Filipino fathers in their families and communities.
Organization and Strengthening of Father’s Associations
ERPAT groups will be formed, composed of core leaders that will help facilitate program organization in the barangay, municipal/city, provincial, regional, and national levels.
Capability Building/Training
This will be done in two levels, for: (a) ERPAT members, to enhance their knowledge, attitude, and skills in performing parental roles and duties; and (b) Local Government Unit (LGU) workers, to ensure the effective implementation of the program.
Networking and Alliance Building
ERPAT organizations will partner with LGUs, people’s organizations (POs), welfare agencies, and others to generate resource and mobilize people towards achieving the program’s objectives.
Implementation Procedure
Implementing the program involves four major stages: social preparation; capability building; peer support organization and mobilization; and organization of ERPAT associations.
Social Preparation
This stage involves the identification of priority target beneficiaries at the community level. Home visits and the pursuit of referrals by LGUs and non-government organizations (NGOs) will be done.
Identified fathers will be organized into a group of 20-25 people who will help promote the program in the community.
Capability Building
LGU direct service workers will be trained regarding the implementation of the program. Likewise, the fathers will participate in training activities, as well.
Peer Support Organization and Mobilization
Fathers will be organized into “peer support groups,” which will help respond to the concerns of fathers within the community.
Organization of ERPAT Associations
ERPAT leaders and volunteers will be organized at the barangay level, and eventually to the municipality/city, provincial, regional, and national levels.
Latest Updates
Here are some of the latest news/updates related to the ERPAT program, based on the DSWD official Facebook page:
ERPAT Members Join Food-for-Training in Bauang, La Union
In April 2024, DSWD Field Office 1 held a Food-for-Training activity for ERPAT members in Bauang, La Union. The training discussed the roles of fathers in guiding and protecting their families. It also tackled some tips in preparing for natural calamities. Participants were given Family Food Packs (FFPs) during the training.
DSWD Continues to Implement ERPAT Program
The DSWD continues to implement the ERPAT program, according to a press release last June 18, 2024. DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Management Group Irene Dumlao stated that ERPAT is a program that emphasizes fathers’ roles and responsibilities.
DSWD FO 8 Conducts Training for Fathers on Parole
On September 23, 2024, DSWD Field Office 8 – Eastern Visayas conducted a training on “paternal abilities” for fathers who are on parole, along with recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs). The training was held at the municipal hall of Burauen, Leyte, as part of the DSWD’s Family Week celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions about the ERPAT program:
1. What is ERPAT?
ERPAT stands for “Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities,” a program that focuses on enriching the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of fathers in carrying out their roles and duties.
2. What are its objectives?
The program generally aims to enhance and strengthen Filipino fathers’ parenting capabilities in performing their familial tasks.
3. Who are its target beneficiaries?
The program targets all fathers, although priority is given to: biological fathers (i.e. solo fathers, returning OFWs, released prisoners, PWDS); adoptive fathers; and surrogate fathers (i.e. foster fathers, guardians, caretakers).
4. What are its components?
The program’s components are: advocacy and social mobilization; organization and strengthening of father’s associations; capability building/training; networking and alliance building.
5. How is it implemented?
The ERPAT program is carried out in four main stages: social preparation; capability building; peer support organization and mobilization; and organization of ERPAT associations.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
Inquiries about the ERPAT program may be addressed to the DSWD Central Office. You may also contact the Municipal/City Social Welfare and Development Office (M/CSWDO) in your area.
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8952-0697 or (02) 8931-8101, local 513
Email: balikprobinsya@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
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Final Thoughts
Both the mother and father play important roles in taking care of the family and raising their children. Programs like ERPAT are designed to educate fathers and remind them about their duties, while helping to empower communities at the same time.
Speaking of families, one of the DSWD’s major programs is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which targets low-income households. Check out this article to learn more about it!