Army officers train on ERPAT
San Jose, Antique -- Officers of 12th Infantry Batallon E Company, 3rd Infantry Division based in Barangay Apdo, Hamtic, Antique and members attended a seminar on ERPAT (Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities) recently conducted by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) members of the Civilian Arm Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).
Careen Panaguiton, Social Worker of PSWDO said that army officers are responsive to the discussion especially on topics like HIV/AIDS and human sexuality. Despite patriarchal orientation of the participants, most are open to gender sensitive issues, she said.
Topics discussed during the seminar are in 4 modules such as Fathers as child caregiver, Becoming your wife's best friend, Fathers as advocate in promoting drug-free home and Fathers as advocate in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. These topics are part of the 8 modules of the Parent Effectiveness Service, a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
According to the source, Army officers after the training are more aware of gender sensitive issues like violence against women, child abuse, early child care and development, sex roles, share parenthood, drug free-home and family planning. The goal of ERPAT according to Panaguiton is to organize fathers as partners of women in the development of family and nation in general.
Pool of resource persons includes P/Insp Gilbert Gorero, Gelinerose Velasco, Nurse IV Provincial Health Office, Geraldine Encarnacion and Rebecca Hope Lotilla of PSWDO.
PSWDO figures revealed that more than 50% of the 590 barangays in the province has conducted PES/ERPAT training in their respective barangays facilitated by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers. The source further noted that audience of ERPAT seminar includes biological and surrogate fathers.
ERPAT seminar will not only help army officers and CAFGUs in their peace and order operations but will help build wholesome families, as well.
Family is considered basic unit of society thus, PSWDO has been conducting PES and ERPAT to various communities in the province to build responsible families for a stronger nation. (PIA)