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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII aims to have more male Gender and Development (GAD) advocates as a result of the series of Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) in Central Visayas.

Benjie Español shared that as a solo parent raising six children, the Gender Sensitivity Training helped him better understand his responsibility as a father and mother to his children.
Benjie Español shared that as a solo parent raising six children, the Gender Sensitivity Training helped him better understand his responsibility as a father and mother to his children.

The series of GST in the region kicked off early this month with 122 male spouses or grantees of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program expected to complete the three-day event by April 28. The training is done by batches in Dumaguete City, Lapu-Lapu City and Tagbilaran City.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre shared that the conduct of the said training compliments the implementation of the National Advisory Council Resolution Number 23 that requires mandatory attendance of couples to specific sessions in Module 2.1 and 2.2 (Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood, Gender Sensitivity) of the Family Development Session, one of the three conditionalities of Pantawid Pamilya.

Macapobre cited that GST is expected to increase the participation of male spouses in the conduct of different Pantawid Pamilya activities.

“The GST training also seeks to strengthen Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Training (ERPAT) and the group Men Oppose to Violence Everywhere (MOVE),” she said.

Macapobre stressed that the training was designed to orient, educate and inculcate values on matters concerning Gender and Development as it will also aid the male spouses understand Gender Concept, Manifestation of Gender Biases, and Legal Framework.

The topics include sex vs. gender; sex role vs. gender role; manifestation of gender bias; gender division of labor; fathers as child care givers; fathers as advocate in the promotion of peace in the family, among others.

Among the participants of the said training is Benjie Español, 48, of Barangay Poblacion, Badian, Cebu.

Español shared that as a solo parent raising six children, the GST helped him better understand his responsibility as a father and mother to his children.

“It is hard doing two responsibilities at the same time but trainings like these allowed me to further improve my relationship with my children,” he said.

Alfredo Valor more known as Nonoy of Barangay Ubos, Bayawan City also narrated that the GST made him appreciate the importance of proper communication between husband and wife.

“I always make it a point that my wife and I will settle our misunderstandings immediately to reduce further conflicts in the future,” he said.

Valor has been doing GAD advocacies in Bayawan City while selling different delicacies like rice cakes, puto maya among others. ###

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