THERE is an authoritarian, passive, absentee, abusive and good father.
This was one of the resource persons speech addressed to the men in La Trinidad, Benguet during the celebration of the first International Men's day on Tuesday, November 19.
Reverend Jones Padeo of Solid Rock Ministries cited the biggest reason one nation or town, have slow growth is not because of lack of money, crisis, unemployment, or corruption but the absence of the fathers inside the family.
"We could only give advice to our children, but we cannot abuse our being 'man'," he added.
"We are the only province in the Cordillera that is not drug-free, Benguet the highest rate in teenage pregnancy, it lies in our hands us as fathers, men not just the local government, and the church."
The observance of the day for men in the town was spearheaded by the local government unit which aims to empower the men as the head of the family.
Rose Noemi Co, Population Officer III said the celebration is in answer to the long-time question: "Dakami met ngay nga lalaki, apay babae laeng (How about us men, why women only?)"
Free haircut, urine screening, vital signs and nutrition counseling were provided during the celebration at the municipal gym.
With the theme: "Men: Champions of Health and Family Well-being", involvement of men in family nutrition was discussed by Kim Lagto from the Department of Health Cordillera and involvement of men in reproductive health expounded by Dr. Nelson Hora, medical officer of the Baguio Health Department.
Hora encouraged the participation of men in the reproductive health through sexual responsibility adding it is important to have communication between couples and have family planning.