The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, led by the Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities-Men Oppose to Violence Against Women (ERPAT’s-MOVE) Caraga Inc. conducted an orientation for Pantawid male beneficiaries in the Municipality of Mainit, Surigao del Norte. He was joined by Vice President Jonas C. Peregrino and PIO Danilo C. Lauro.
The orientation was spearheaded by ERPAT Move Caraga Inc. President Tristan C. Telen, DSWD Caraga’s Assistant Regional Director for Administration, together with Vice President Jonas Perigrino and Public Information Officer Danilo Lauro. Held in five barangays of Mainit and was attended by 182 Pantawid fathers, locally referred to as “Haligi ng Tahanan,” the participants were introduced to the organization’s mission, vision and mandate: to build a community of empowered, responsible and compassionate men who uphold gender equality, foster safe families, and actively oppose all forms of violence.
A representative of the Philippine National Police, PSSg Sheila Mae Servas, gave a presentation on Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
Telen, as ERPAT president, outlined the “4Ps of fatherhood”: Presence — being physically, mentally and emotionally present in family life; Provision — prioritizing the family’s needs; Purpose — guiding and helping the family set and pursue goals; and Protection — ensuring that no form of violence is inflicted in the home.
Elections for officers of the ERPAT Lakas chapter in Mainit were held for the barangays Dayano, Magpayang, Siana, Magsaysay and San Isidro. Organizers said the barangay chapters will help keep local ERPAT groups organized and effective in promoting positive fatherhood, gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and children.
