PROVINCIAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

OFFICE
PROVINCE OF ILOILO

Orientation on Empowerment and

Re-affirmation of Paternal Abilities
(ERPAT)
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the most exciting but often times not so
easy world of FATHERING.
In a country like ours, fathers are almost
always the hardest-to -reach-both inside and
outside in the home-when it comes to child care
and development. The father however, is not at
fault here. In a lot of cases, he simply does not
know how. Society’s predefined role for the
“man of the house” dictates that he just has to
bring home the bacon and win the bread. Beyond
these, most fathers are left clueless as to what
to do to be more effective and responsive
parents.
 Effective and responsive fathering refers to
how a father performs his parental roles and
responsibilities to his family , most especially
to his children. It also refers to the kind of
relationships he maintains with each
member of his family; and with this
relationships, how he is able to animate the
family to perform each one’s roles and
functions.
 Such is the Intention of Empowerment and
Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities or more
popularly known as ERPAT.
An Overview of ERPAT
1995
 The then Bureau of Family &
Community Welfare conceptualized a
Parent Effectiveness Session especially
designed for fathers.
 This strategy was called Empowerment
& Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities
Training (ERPAT).
 ERPAT was developed to address the
problem of fathers’ non-attendance to
the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES)
sessions.
1999
 The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) underwent
repositioning
 The then Programs and Project Bureau took
ERPAT as a core service for fathers,
enriching it by going beyond the initial
intent.
 Under the PPB, ERPAT addressed the
increased incidence of domestic violence,
gender role issues and father’s inadequate
parenting capability.
 PPB pilot-tested ERPAT in three (3)
regions namely, Regions X,VI and VI
(specifically the cities of Gingoog,
Kabankalan and Legazpi).
 ERPAT was implemented within the Family
Life Resource Centers and in selected
communities.
 The first group of ERPAT father-leaders
and volunteers were organized.
2002
 A write shop among the academe, faith-based
groups, NGOs, GOs and POs enhanced ERPAT
content.
 In a Regional Parent Education Congress,
further inputs for ERPAT materialized given
that the Congress’ theme included the
important role of fathers in securing a drug-
free home.
 These series of revisions brought about eight
basic training modules.
2008
 LGU implementers and father-leaders from
the Visayas and Mindanao Clusters
participated in a trainers’ training.

 The participants from this training

committed to implement ERPAT in their
respective regions and provinces. The
participants also planned and agreed to
hold an assessment on the implementation
of ERPAT towards the end of the same year.
2009
 The Social Technology Bureau conducted a
quick survey to assess the ERPAT experience;
yielding the following findings;
 Of the 17 regions nationwide, 11 regions
implemented the ERPAT service to 36% of the
provinces in the country composed of 66
cities and municipalities.
 A total of 363 ERPAT trainings conducted in
475 barangays benefited a total of 8,401
fathers.
 More than half of the fathers trained came
from Region VI equivalent to 56% of the
participants followed by Region IX and
Region X at 19% and 15% respectively.
 The ERPAT trainings conducted resulted to
the organization of 359 ERPAT associations
nationwide with a total of 8,777 individual
members.
 32% of ERPAT organizations are active with
commitment, sustained interest and active
participation of father-leaders and
members as the main reasons cited.
 Region IX conducted ERPAT for 38 batches
and sustained 35 of them as associations
attributed to their regular conduct of
meetings and formulation of organizational
thrust and directions.
 Support services are very important in
sustaining the operation of the ERPAT
organization.
 Almost 80% of the ERPAT organizations are
aware of their role as fathers through the
conduct of awareness and information
campaign.
 Technical Assistance from the Field
Office is a necessary factor to ensure
ERPAT success.

 The STB organized a write shop among

field office technical staff members to
enhance the ERPAT manual..
The Basic Information on ERPAT:

ERPAT is the word “PATER” pronounced

backward.
A colloquial term coined by the sons and
daughters of the 60’s which gained popularity
through the 70’s, ERPAT was and is commonly
used by children particularly the teenagers-to
mean an easy-to-approach father, in a peer-to-
peer relationship as members of the family;
and one who is not frightening but instead
considered as a peer-friend.
ERPAT or Empowerment and Reaffirmation of
Paternal Abilities aims to engage fathers to
become effective and responsive. It gives
importance and emphasis on father’s paternal
roles, responsibilities and abilities. It aims to
achieve shared parenting tasks in the performance
of familial responsibilities.
Simply put, a father’s role transcends from a mere
“provider” to one who shares parenting that
includes providing care, attention and affection to
each member of his family. ERPAT focuses on how
this person carries himself as a father performing
multiple roles as his child’s teacher and caregiver,
his wife’s husband and a friend to everyone in his
household.
ERPAT also gives emphasis on eliminating
traditional gender roles manifested in the
proliferation of the “macho” image of men as
seen and observed in the norms, expectations
and behaviour patterns of Filipino males.
ERPAT aims to help fathers achieve a broader
and fairer definition of gender roles, while
understanding of one’s self as a nurturing and
caring individual both for his children and
spouse.
RATIONALE:

Like in any development program, project,

service, activity and or strategy, ERPAT stands
on the firm conviction that fathers DO need
help to be able to perform their roles and
responsibilities. Further, strengthen and
maximize their capacities to become effective
and efficient advocates in the elimination of
violence against women and their children.
LEGAL BASES

INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENT

1. The Convention on the Rights of the

Child (CRC). The CRC, an international
instrument ratified in 1990 by the
Philippines, sets minimum standards
for state parties to ensure the
promotion and protection of the rights
of children.
NATIONAL LAWS

1. 1987 Philippine Constitution

The State recognizes the sanctity of the family life and
shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic
autonomous social institution. It shall equally promote
the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from
its conception (Article 2, Section 1).
The state recognizes the Filipino family as the
foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall
strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total
development. (Article XV, Section 1)
2. The Family Code of the Philippines
The husband and wife are obliged to live together,
observe mutual love, respect and fidelity and
render mutual help and support (Article 69).
The management of the household shall be the
right and duty of both spouses (Article 71).
3. The Child and Youth Welfare Code (PD603)
Joint Parental Authority – the father and mother
shall exercise jointly just and reasonable parental
authority and responsibility over their legitimate
or adopted children (Chapter 1-Article 17)
4. The Anti-Violence Against Women and
Children Act or RA 9262.
A state shall exert efforts to address violence
committed against women and children in keeping
with the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under
Constitution and the Provision of the Universal
Declaration of the Human Rights (UDHR), the
Convention on the Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Convention on
the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other international
human instruments of which the Philippines is a party.
Section 2. Declaration of Policy.
5. Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination Act or RA 7610.
It is hereby declared by the policy of the State to provide
special protection to children from all forms of abuse,
neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination and other
conditions, prejudicial to their development; provide
sanctions for their commissions and carry out program for
prevention and deterrence of and crisis interventions in
situations of child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
The state shall intervene in behalf of the child when the
parent, guardian, teacher or person having care and custody
of the child fails or is unable to protect the child against
abuse, exploitation and discrimination or when such acts
against the child are committed by the parent, guardian,
teacher or person, having care and custody of the same
Section 2. Declaration of the Policy.
6. Family Courts Act of 1997

The State shall protect the rights and

promote the welfare of children in
keeping with the mandate of the
Constitution and the precepts of the
United Nations Convention on the
rights of the child. The State shall
provide a system of adjudication for
youthful offenders which take into
account their peculiar circumstances.
What is ERPAT’s Social Development Nature?
ERPAT can be a lot of things for those who are
involved:
 ERPAT is a service that gives importance and
emphasis on the development and enrichment of
knowledge, attitudes and skills of fathers in
performing their paternal roles and responsibilities.
 It involves the conduct of community-based sessions
for fathers; training of and organization of father-
leaders and volunteers in the community to
facilitate collective action and participation in
promoting the important role of fathers to the
family.
 ERPAT also serves as one of the interventions of the
Parent Effectiveness Services (PES) because it sees
the significant roles of fathers in all aspects of child
rearing and caring.
What are ERPAT’s Objectives?
General:
To enhance and strengthen parenting capabilities
of Filipino fathers in performing their tasks and
responsibilities.
Specific:
1. To empower fathers by developing a positive
concept of self.
2. To develop and enhance the father’s attitudes,
knowledge and skills on Early Childhood Care and
Development; preparing and equipping adolescent
children in handling and meeting adult roles and
responsibilities, and raising children with high
spiritual values.
3. To help fathers develop gender sensitivity and
appreciation of partnership with their spouses in
promoting and enhancing family life by;
A. Enhancing and strengthening a positive and
satisfying marital relationship.
B. Preventing violence in the home.
C. Promoting shared parenthood and planned family
size.
4.To establish networks among fathers in the
community and enhance their active participation
and involvement especially in establishing a drug-
free family, understanding and preventing HIV-AIDS
and all forms of violence in the family.
Who are the Target Beneficiaries?
All males who need better knowledge, attitudes and
skills on fathering, who are unable to cope with familial
responsibilities and who fall under the following
categories:
1.Generally fathers with children 0-24 years old.
2. Biological Fathers (including but not limited to)
 Solo Father
 Returning migrant/OFWs
 Released Prisoners
 Persons with disability
3. Adoptive Father
4.Newly wed husbands
5. Organized father groups i.e. faith based
organization
6. Surrogate Fathers (including but not limited to)
 Foster father
 Guardian
 Caretaker
7. Fathers who are members of barangay-based
organization,i.e. barangay tanod.
8. Fathers who are members and would be
members of the Men Opposed to Violence Against
Women Everywhere (MOVE).
Who Benefits from ERPAT?
Aside from the fathers, including their families and
communities all the members of Men Opposed to
Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) benefit
from ERPAT.

Who implements ERPAT?

The Local Social Welfare and Development Office
(LSWDO) are the direct implementers of ERPAT.
Meanwhile, the DSWD through its field offices provide
technical support to the LSWDO. Lastly, father-leaders
are the main actors in community level ERPAT
implementation.
Where do funds for ERPAT come from?
The Local Government Units (LGUs) fund the
implementation of ERPAT. However, funding support
can be tapped from other agencies.

Who monitors the ERPAT Implementation?

The DSWD Field Office shall monitor the service
implementation.
What are ERPAT’s Service Components?
1. Advocacy and Social Mobilization?
This involves the conduct of advocacy and social mobilization activities
in securing support and awareness in the implementation of ERPAT in
the community. Public awareness and information campaign shall
convey basic messages that promote the important role of Filipino
fathers in instilling and fostering love, respect, discipline, industry and
care for the family. Indigenous form of media can be utilized to
advocate support in the promotion and implementation of ERPAT at the
community using local talents resources.
2. Organization and Strengthening of Father’s Associations.
This involves the formation of ERPAT core groups composed of leaders at
the barangay level who will facilitate organization of ERPAT. The
organized structures shall serve as venues for collective action and
participation founded on the principles of cooperation, trust and good
communication and commitment to the promotion of the important roles
of fathers in the family and in promoting the social well being of families
as a whole.
3. Capability Building / Training.
This involves training and capability-building activities
for two (2) sets of implementers:
1. The ERPAT members – or members of the ERPAT
associations/groups, father leaders and volunteers who are
directly trained primarily to enhance their paternal roles
and responsibilities, and to sustain the ERPAT service in the
community.
2. LGU Workers/Implementers- or the service providers and
implementers who are trained to ensure effective and
efficient service implementation and management.
The basic courses include community volunteers’
development, participatory leadership, peer counselling
and project development and sustainability. Experiential
learning activities are also conducted to put substance and
deepen the formal training provided to the ERPAT
implementers and volunteers.
4. Networking and Alliance Building
This involves resource generation and mobilization to
achieve the thrusts of networking and alliance building
among agencies and father groups as the most important
indicators of successful community organization.
Networking facilitates sharing of knowledge, skills and
resources among people and organizations in the
community. Father-leaders and volunteers and/or father
associations are mobilized to generate resources to
sustain implementation of ERPAT in the community. This
includes family welfare serving agencies and child
caring/placing agencies as well as the LGUs and POs in
the target areas. Efforts to converge the resources and
services of different welfare agencies operating within
the area are pursued to ensure optimal use of resources
for ERPAT.
ERPATS VISION:
ERPAT envisions responsible Filipino Fathers who are
committed, disciplined, knowledgeable and are highly
appreciative in carrying out effective paternal roles and
responsibilities.
ERPAT MISSION:
To work with fathers and their families in the community
helping them to:
1.Appreciate their roles in the family
2. Improve performance of paternal tasks, and
3. Access support services and activities that will help them
achieve a united, productive and stable family.
To form ERPAT associations at the barangay level,
federations at the municipal/city, provincial and national
levels and gain representations in local councils.
 ERRPAT STRUCTURE
DSWD
ERPAT NATIONAL
CENTRAL
OFFICE
LGUs FEDERATION
SWDO
(Municipal &
ERPAT REGIONAL
City)
DSWD FIELD FEDERATION
OFFICES
Resources: ERPAT
 Programs/servi
ces
PROVINCIAL/CITY
 Manpower FEDERATION
 Budget
 Facilities
e.g. center, ERPAT MUNICIPAL
offices,equipment FEDERATION
, etc.

Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy.

ERPAT ERPAT ERPAT ERPAT ERPAT ERPAT
 ERPAT ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Auditor
Public Relations Officer
Peace Courting Officer
 Empowerment and Re-Affirmation of Paternal Abilities
(ERPAT)
GROUP ROSTER FORM
Name of Group_________________________________________________
Date Organized_________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________
Name of
Worker________________________________________________________
Received By____________________________________________________

Name Sex Age Highest Educational Position in the Signature

Level Completed Organization
1.
2.
THE ENHANCED ERPAT MODULAR
PACKAGES
Module I – Understanding Myself as a
Person
Session 1: Understanding Myself
Objectives:
Attain awareness and discover oneself as a person. Find
meaning of one’s existence in relation to his environment.
Session 2: Building Positive Self-Esteem as a father.
Objectives:
Participants should be able to demonstrate a build up of
positive self-esteem, as a pre-requisite to effective
fathering.
Module II – Accepting your Role as a Father.
Session 1: Importance of a Father Image
Objectives:
Participants should be able to understand the meaning of
fatherhood and appreciate the importance of male factor
to children.
Session 2: Development of Paternal Identity.
Objectives:
The participants shall be able to acquire knowledge and
express understanding of the process of developing
paternal identity.
Session 3: Knowing & Understanding Your Role as a
father.
Objectives: Participants identify specific responsibilities of
a father.
Module III - Becoming Your Wife's Best friend
Session 1 - Difference between Sex and Gender
Objectives:
- differentiate sex from gender
- make women appreciate the difference
between sex and gender
Session 2 - Understanding the difference
between Men and Women
Objective:
- the participants shall be able to
demonstrate and express awareness of the
difference between a man and a woman as
basis in relating with their wives.
Session 3 - Improving Relationship with my Wife
Objective:
- the participants shall be able to discuss the
different factors that affect their marital
relationship.

Session 4 - Sexuality in Marriage

Objectives:
- discuss the elements of human sexuality
- discuss the importance of sexuality in enhancing
marital life.
Session 5- Responsible parenthood through
Planned Family Size
Objectives:
- discuss the meaning of responsible
parenthood.
- discuss the major philosophy and concepts
related to responsible parenthood.
- articulate the motivating and hindering factors
in practicing responsible parenthood.
Module IV - Fathers As Child Care Giver

Session 1 - Understanding the

Developmental Stages of Children
Objective:
- Participants shall be able to discuss
and understand the stages of psycho-
social development of children.
Session 2 - Responding to the Growth and
Development Needs of Children and
Adolescent
Objective:
- Participants shall be able to talk about
ways to respond to the growth and
development needs of their children
and adolescents.
Session 3 - Raising Children in Gender Sensitive ways
Objective:
- participants shall be able to discuss how Filipino parents raise their
children in ways that socialize them into their gender identities and
roles.

Session 4 - Responding to child's Rights and Responsibilities

Objectives:
- Explain the rights of the child
- Discuss the four broad areas covered by the convention on the rights
of the child.
- List the responsibilities of Fathers and adult towards children.
Module V - Promoting Family Spirituality
Session 1: Fathers as Spiritual Leaders
Objectives:
- reflect and talk about the important role as
spiritual leaders in the family.
- Visualize a father's role as spiritual leader
in the family.
Session 2: Raising Your Children to be of
High Spiritual Values
Objectives:
- The participants shall be able to identify
ways to help children grow with high spiritual
values.
Module VI - Fathers As Advocate In the Prevention
of Family Violence
Session 1: Understanding Family Violence
Objective:
- Participants shall be able to discuss how
violence evolves in the family and how this
affects the members.
Session 2: Preventing Violence in the Home
Objective:
- Participants shall be able to discuss the
importance of the need to prevent violence
in the home.
- Discuss anger management as a way to
prevent violence in the family.
Session 3 - The Fathers Role in Preventing
Family Violence in the Community.

Objective:
- The participants shall be able to develop
interest and take an active role in the
prevention of family violence in the
community.
Module VII - Fathers As Advocate in Promoting A
Drug- Free Home
Session 1 - Understanding Substance Abuse
Objectives:
- discuss the substance abuse/misuse
- discuss the different causes and effects of
substance abuse
Session 2 - Drug/Substance Abuse in the
Home.
Objectives:
- Discuss ways to establish a drug free home
- Discuss ways how fathers can take an active
role in preventing their children from
drug/substance abuse.
Module VIII - Fathers As Advocate in the
Prevention of HIV- AIDS.
Session 1 - Understanding HIV- AIDS
Objectives:
- Discuss what HIV-IDS is
- Discuss the HIV-AIDS situations in the
Philippines
Session 2 - Safe Sex and other Safety
Measures
Objectives:
- Discuss ways to practice safe sex
- Discuss ways to safeguard oneself from
acquiring HIV-AIDS
Module IX - Fathers as advocate in
Promoting Positive Discipline

Key learning Points - 2006 World Report

on Violence against Children revealed
that:
 Physical Maltreatment of Children in
their homes is a global issue affecting
millions worldwide.
 Much physical violence against children
takes the form of punishment and often
embedded in a cultured belief that
children learn through physical pain.
 The report recommends the elimination
of all corporal punishment of children
and the promotion of positive, non-
violent discipline.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for LGU Implementers
A. Coordinate with Barangay Council and other Key Leaders.
B. Identify and Recruit your target participants (fathers).
Among those you can initially engage are;
 Fathers who are members of the Day Care Service Parents
Group.
 Fathers of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.
 Supplemental feeding parents groups.
 Neighbourhood Parent Effectiveness Assembly.
 Husbands of women who are involved and/or are beneficiaries
of programs for women.
 Members of Brgy. Council for the protection of children.
 Fathers who are MOVE members.
 Aside from the above , you must also consider
fathers of families at risks. To identify them you may
need to refer to the following indicators.

1. Families with reported cases of abuse.

2.Familieswhosemembersarewith poor health/nutrition.
3. Families whose children are out of school.
4.Families whose heads exhibit inappropriate behaviour
models of family such as substance use and abuse,
and
5. Families with Solo male parent
C. Conduct an Orientation on ERPAT.
D. Organize a core group of fathers
E. Set a final schedule for the ERPAT community-
Based Session.
F. Conduct the ERPAT sessions.
G. Conduct and Organizational Planning
Workshop.
H. Organize an ERPAT Association.
I. Implement the Planned Programs and Prjects
of ERPAT.
THE Stakeholders Functions
ERPAT has four (4) main groups of
stakeholders, namely the ERPAT father
volunteers/leaders, the LGUs, NGOs &
Civic and Private groups and the DSWD
Central Office together with the
DSWD Field Offices. Each group has
specific functions;
 A. Functions of ERPAT fathers and Volunteers/Leaders

1. Recruit fathers in the barangay to join ERPAT Association.

2. Organize the ERPAT Association under the direct
supervision of the LGU social worker.
3. Assist the LGU trained social workers in the conduct of
ERPAT sessions in the barangay.
4. Assist the LGU social workers in the conduct of ERPAT
training and other related activities.
5. Assist the ERPAT associations in Management and
Monitoring of group projects and activities.
6. Submit report to LGU social worker of ERPAT Association
Accomplishment and Group Rooster Forms.
B. The Role/Functions of Local Government Units

1. Implement and supervise the project.

2. Provide administrative fund support in the
implementation of project.
3. Facilitate organization of ERPAT Associations.
4. Supervise activities of ERPAT Association, e.g. planning
and implementation of support activities in the
community.
5. Conduct training for ERPAT volunteers and leaders.
6. Provide technical assistance and supervision to
members and officers of ERPAT Associations.
7. Identify/ access resources for the provision of
social services to ERPAT family members.
8 Develop and maintain linkages with NGOs, GOs
and other stakeholders.
9. Support public awareness raising/regional
concerning over all goals and thrust of ERPAT.
10. Conduct of monitoring and evaluation using
the standard monitoring tool.
11. Prepare quarterly status reports to DSWD Field
Offices.
PROVINCIAL/CITY LEVEL

1. Recommend policy for Regional ERPAT Federation

consideration.
2. Consolidate ERPAT Accomplishment Report and
issues/concerns related to family’s welfare
program/ERPAT project implementation.
3. Monitor and evaluate the Municipal Plan VS.
Accomplishment and the over-all status of ERPAT
implementation.
4. Advocate to the Provincial/City Government, Inter-
Agency Committee, GOs and NGOs for policy/local
legislation/funding support to family welfare
program/ERPAT.
5. Initiate Provincial / City
Institutionalized ERPAT Programs,
Projects and activities.
6. Network with other family serving
agencies/organizations within the
province/city for convergence of
family services.
7. Document Best Practices in the
implementation of ERPAT for social
marketing of technology.
The Roles/Functions of DSWD Field Office

1. Conducts consultation with LGUs to determine their

interest, readiness, commitment and capability to
implement the service.
2. Assist in the orientation of LGU implementers.
3. Monitors and provides technical assistance to LGU
implementers.
4. Develops and maintains linkages with LGUs, NGOs and
other national government agencies in the area relative
to service implementation.
5. Assists in the evaluation research and documentation
of the service.
6. Ensures judicious disbursement of
program funds.
7. Prepares and submits a quarterly
report to the DSWD – Central Office.
8. Forge MOA to gain the support and
commitment of LGUs to adopt ERPAT
as a service and define the roles of
SWD Field Office.
9.Consolidate Accomplishment Report
(Provincial/City) Issues and Concerns
related to family’s welfare program ERPAT.
10. Monitor/Evaluate the Provincial/City
Plan vs. Accomplishment and the over-all
family’s welfare program and ERPAT status.
11. Advocate for ERPAT Support from the
Regional Inter-Agency Committee (e.g.
RIACAT – VAWC)
12. Recommend policy for National ERPAT
Federation consideration.
13. Network with other family’s serving
Agencies/Sector at the Regional Level for
convergence of service.
14. Initiate/Implement ERPAT regional
institutionalized programs, projects and
activities.
15. Document ERPAT Best Practices and Pilot
Projects for Social Marketing of Technology.
16. Represent the Regional ERPAT Federation to
the National ERPAT convention, Training and
Conferences.
The Role/Functions of DSWD Central Office

1. Prepares guidelines and other program

materials for the service.
2. Oversees the overall implementation of
service.
3. Allocates funds for the implementation of
the service.
4. Monitors, evaluates and provides technical
assistance to the DSWD Field Offices.
5. Conducts orientation /demonstration of
the project to LGUs implementers.
6. Consolidates and analyses reports
submitted by the regions.
7. Prepares quarterly reports and update
of the service.
8. Conducts documentation and research
of the service.
9. Conduct of annual program review and
evaluation workshop.
Other Stakeholders
(NGOs/Church/Academe/Civic grops/Associations)

1.Acts as resource person

2. Provides referral services.
3. Provides fund augmentation and access to
resources.
4. Conducts training on ERPAT session and skills
enhancement activities.
5. Assists MSWDO/CSWDO in
identification/recruitment of ERPAT participants.
6. Participates in service review and
enrichment/development.
Thank You