TABUK CITY, Kalinga – To give importance and emphasis on the development and enhancement of knowledge, attitudes and skills of fathers in performing their parental roles and responsibilities, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) organized Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Team (ERPAT) groups in seven barangays.
According to Judith Sangdaan of CSWDO, the ERPAT core group in Malin-awa, Agbannawag, Lacnog, Nambaran, Casigayan, Cabaruan and Bulo aims to empower the head of the family to become responsible parent and advocate in the attainment of gender sensitivity, safe motherhood and women and child empowerment viewing fathers not only as a provider but nurturing and caring individuals and partners in familial care.
Gearing up for a full operation on 2018, Sangdaan said that organization of core groups in the other barangays continues and that the present members from the seven ERPAT groups will assist the barangay council and barangay lupons in the protection and women’s and children’s rights.
She also added that the ERPAT will only be recognized as a People’s Organization once all barangays have created their own team which will later bear a set of officers.
CSWDO also plans to provide training on parental abilities in all barangays and give livelihood assistance to active father- leaders.
As per records of the CSWDO for 2016, there are 30 cases of women violence done by men, most of which are physical and sexual offenses.
Focal Person on Family Welfare Eusebia Edduba revealed that apart from individual and family counseling service given to abused women and children, the CSWDO also conducts barangay- based case conference for prevention of possible family breakdown with help from community key leaders and also gives financial assistance, livelihood grant and referral for legal assistance.
By Darwin S. Serion