The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program spearheads the first-ever “Search for Modelong Ama ng Pantawid Pamilya 2017”. Conducted nationwide, it is one of the advocacy initiatives to bring about “transformed gender relations”, as well as, push for homes that are free from gender-based discrimination and gender violence.
“The search is one of the department’s contributions to the ultimate aim of ‘gender equality’. Since majority of Pantawid household heads are mother grantees, the program recognizes the growing need to partner with men to achieve transformed gender relations among Pantawid households. The program believes that men should be made partners in pushing for and achieving women’s empowerment and gender equality by concretely contributing to advocacies against gender-based discrimination and gender-based violence within families and communities,” said DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat.
The search is open to all outstanding Pantawid fathers/husbands whose: (1) a Filipino male who is a member of the Pantawid household for at least 2 years. He may be a father, grandfather, solo parent, husband who is at least 28 years old; (2) with good moral standing and has not been indicted with any administrative, criminal, civil case especially with depravity relative to any gender-related cases in the last five years; and (3) his family should be 100% compliant to all conditionalities set by the program.
Criteria for judging of official entries are: (1) Personal Character – 30%; (2) Involvement with roles that are beyond traditional – 30%; (3) Involvement in Pantawid Pamilya and other relevant community activities – 20%; and Score in the Personal Gender Sensitivity checklist – 20%.
This year’s provincial nominees are: Wencie F. Ochoco of Digos City, Davao del Sur; Robert L. Dumapias of Nabunturan, Compostela Valley; Edsil D. Albani of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Castor Deloy Palco of Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental; Welson Ruelo Cadotdot of Panabo City, Davao del Norte; and Marcial B. Gepte, Sr. of Davao City.
The 2017 Regional Modelong Ama ng Pantawid Pamilya will serve as a male ambassador of Pantawid Pamilya; can be tapped as Resource Person during Family Development Sessions (FDS) FDS and any related activity; assists in the Gender and Development advocacy efforts including the use of their photos and life stories in any GAD-related activities/promotions.
At present, Pantawid Pamilya has over 233,757 active beneficiaries in Davao Region covering 5 provinces, 6 cities and 43 municipalities. Of this number, 37,406 are male while 196,351 are female. (DSWD)
