The DSWD ERPAT (Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities) is a groundbreaking project by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines.
This aims to empower parents and encourage them to actively participate in their parenting roles.
Developed in 1995, ERPAT addresses the issue of parents not attending parenting sessions and focuses on empowering them, enhancing their childcare and development skills, promoting gender sensitivity and partnership with spouses, and establishing community networks among this group.
Target beneficiaries include biological fathers, adoptive and foster fathers, guardians, caretakers, solo fathers, returning migrants, released prisoners, and persons with disabilities.
Participants can expect comprehensive training, support networks, livelihood opportunities, and a shift in perceptions about fatherhood.
The project aims to increase father involvement, promote shared parenting, and foster community development.
Origins and Objectives of ERPAT
The DSWD ERPAT (Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities) is a groundbreaking initiative by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines.
This program aims to empower parents and encourage them to actively participate in their parenting roles.
The ERPAT project was developed in 1995 by the DSWD’s Bureau of Family and Community Welfare.
It was created to address the issue of male parents not attending parenting sessions.
The primary objectives of ERPAT are:
- Empowering parents.
- Enhancing their childcare and development skills.
- Promoting gender sensitivity and partnership with spouses.
- Establishing community networks.
Long-term Benefits of the Project
Comprehensive Training and Skill Development
ERPAT involves community-based training sessions that focus on key areas such as child-rearing, behavioral management, gender sensitivity, and community involvement.
These sessions are designed to equip parents with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to be more effective and engaged parents.
Participants include biological fathers, adoptive and foster fathers, guardians, and caretakers, including solo fathers, returning migrants, released prisoners, and persons with disabilities.
Promoting Gender Equality and Shared Parenting
One of the core aims of ERPAT is to promote gender equality in parenting.
The program encourages parents to view parenting as a shared responsibility rather than solely a maternal role.
By shifting traditional mindsets, ERPAT helps male parents become more involved in their children’s lives.
Building Support Networks
ERPAT establishes community networks and fathers’ groups at the barangay (village) level.
These groups allow fathers to support and learn from each other, further strengthening their engagement and involvement.
Providing Livelihood Opportunities
ERPAT goes beyond parenting skills by providing livelihood opportunities.
Some ERPAT groups have set up income-generating projects, such as the Automated Tubig Machine (ATM), which helps theese parents generate additional income.
Changing Perceptions
ERPAT aims to change the perception that fathers should only be providers.
The program emphasizes the importance of male parents’ active participation in their children’s lives.
Impact on Communities
The ERPAT program has had a significant impact on the communities where it has been implemented.
Increased Father Involvement
ERPAT has empowered fathers to take on more active roles in their families and communities.
This increased involvement has positively impacted children’s development and well-being.
Community Development
By establishing support networks among these parents, ERPAT has fostered community development.
Fathers share knowledge, skills, and resources, strengthening their communities.
Livelihood Opportunities
The livelihood projects initiated by ERPAT, such as the ATM, have helped them become more self-sufficient and generate additional income.
Role Modeling
ERPAT aims to turn fathers into positive role models in their communities.
By promoting responsible fatherhood and community involvement, the program encourages male parents to set a good example for their children.
Prevention of Social Issues
ERPAT’s focus on prevention and early intervention has helped address social issues like drug abuse.
The program provides training and resources for these parents to become advocates in preventing drug abuse in their families and communities.
Improved Family Dynamics
By promoting gender sensitivity and partnership between spouses, ERPAT has helped improve family dynamics and strengthen marital relationships.
This has a positive impact on the overall well-being of families and communities.
Community Leadership
ERPAT has also empowered parents to become community leaders.
This has led to increased community involvement and a greater sense of ownership among fathers in addressing local issues and promoting positive change.
Eligibility
- The program is open to biological fathers, adoptive and foster fathers, guardians, and caretakers, including solo fathers, returning migrants, released prisoners, and persons with disabilities.
- The program aims to target male parents who may not have traditionally attended parenting sessions in the past.
Requirements
- Participants must attend the community-based training sessions organized by the DSWD to develop their knowledge, attitudes, and skills in areas like child-rearing, behavioral management of children, gender sensitivity, and community involvement.
- There is no specific educational or income requirement mentioned in the sources. The program seems to be open to fathers from diverse backgrounds.
- Participants are expected to actively engage in the training sessions and apply the learnings in their roles as fathers and community members.
- Some ERPAT groups have also set up income-generating projects like Automated Tubig Machines, which fathers can participate in to supplement their income.
Recent Updates
Elevating Fatherhood: DSWD’s ERPAT Project
DSWD’s ERPAT project highlights fathers’ essential roles in child development, emphasizing their parental responsibilities and abilities. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao underscores the significance of ERPAT in empowering fathers and promoting active parental involvement for the well-being of children.
Bauang, La Union LGU, in collaboration with ERPAT members, conducted a Food-for-Training emphasizing fathers’ roles in guiding and protecting their families. Participants received disaster preparedness tips, aligning with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s schemes by DSWD Field Office 1.
Video: What is ERPAT , Ano ang ERPAT na Programa ng DSWD . From Pastor Gary Romero ERPAT Trainer’s
The ERPAT program, initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aims to empower responsible fathers and promote gender equality within families. Led by trainers like Pastor Gary Romero, the program provides training and support to fathers, equipping them with parenting skills, values formation, and knowledge on child protection and welfare.
Conclusion
The DSWD ERPAT is a transformative project that empowers fathers to be more involved, responsible, and effective parents and community leaders.
By providing training, promoting gender equality, building support networks, offering livelihood opportunities, and changing perceptions, ERPAT has had a profound impact on families and communities in the Philippines.
This program is a testament to the importance of engaging male parents in parenting and community development, ultimately leading to stronger, more resilient communities.