TABUK CITY, Kalinga- Members of District II’s Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Team- Men Oppose Violence Everywhere (ERPAT-MOVE) gathered at Barangay Calanan Gymnasium for a Program Review and Evaluation Workshop.
The 20 barangays along the Chico River in western Tabuk make up District II ERPATs.
ERPAT members, according to Eusebia Edduba, social officer, are empowered fathers in the community organized to assist their particular barangays.
They help local barangay authorities in their duties, as well monitor and respond to any abuses in their communities.
Edduba further mentioned that the ERPAT was founded in 2017 during the administration of former Mayor and now Provincial Governor Ferdinand Tubban, and complimented the current Mayor Darwin Estrañero’s administration for continuing to support the group.
President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), Atty. Henry “Dagul” Tubban, Jr., noted that because many organizations are exclusively made up of women, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) founded the ERPAT to focus on the men in the community.
Tubban encouraged ERPAT members to register their groups so they can avail of government aids and other services as legitimacy gives them access to available services.
Acting Vice Mayor Zorayda Mia Wacnang also stated that they should take advantage of the government’s initiative to support the grassroots through agriculture, since they may be eligible for projects and livelihood assistance.
“Sayang programa iti government nu haan tayu mausar ta haan tayu nakarehistro, said Wacnang who likewise also noted that while ERPAT organizations benefit from having members from local barangay councils, he suggested that they recruit more members from beyond the council.
The ERPAT members were also encouraged by the acting vice mayor, who said they should continue to help their barangays and never lose heart because, even if only a little, government is still supporting them for the time being.
