ILOILO CITY -- Some 200 fathers in the province of Iloilo gathered for the 2018 Father’s Day Celebration led by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) on Tuesday.
Dubbed “Tatays Got Talent”, some fathers revealed their talents in singing and dancing, among others. This year’s theme was “Abilidadan kag Responsable nga Tatay” (Talented and Responsible Father).
PSWDO head Neneth Pador told the media that the event served as a belated break and treat to fathers as they celebrated their day last Sunday. The event likewise became a venue to discover their talents.
She said that these fathers are members of “ERPAT” or the Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities organization of the PSWDO to enhance and strengthen the parenting capabilities of Filipino fathers in performing their task and responsibilities.
Pador said the role of fathers in the family is vital in this generation because the values of the children have changed.
“Maybe because the mothers and fathers are busy, our children are mostly exposed to the internet and we no longer have guidance to them because we seldom see each other,” she said.
However, Pador said that some fathers in the province are responsible and helpful.
A total of 23 of the province’s 42 towns and one component city have organized their ERPAT, composed of about 6,000 father-members.
“We are widening this advocacy to enhance the capabilities of our father so they would be able to be the role model to their children,” she said.
Pador said they are targeting that by 2019, all local government units in the province have organized their ERPAT.
ERPAT organizations are responsible for conducting community-based sessions for fathers, training and the organization of father-leaders and volunteers in the community to facilitate collective action; and participation in promoting the important role of fathers in the family. (PNA)
