A Mangyan father registering for the session
Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines is implementing the Mangyan Rights Promotion Project
through Strengthened Maternal and Child Health Services in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines.
On June 27, an educational session was held for fathers from Mangyan families.
Fathers participating in the education session with their children.
In many Mangyan communities, fathers are primarily responsible for work outside the home and income generation,
while also playing a central role in household decision-making.
With this in mind, the session aimed to help fathers understand and respect the rights of women and children,
and encourage family decisions that reflect the voices of all family members.
It was also designed to promote fathers‘ active involvement in maternal and child health and child protection.
Fathers participating in the education session with the facilitator
Throughout the project, we found that parents‘ strong interest in their children‘s future greatly enhances the effectiveness of educational programs.
Based on this finding, father education sessions have been introduced in schools starting this year.
In the same classrooms where children usually learn, the focus has now shifted to educating their fathers.
(Left) Father Education Poster (Right) A father with a Heart-Heart Foundation staff member
The education session covered three main topics:
Fathers participating in the education session
The first session focused on the role of fathers, with an emphasis on children‘s fundamental rights.
Participants explored why education is a fundamental right of every child
and why it is essential for their development.
The session highlighted that a father‘s role extends beyond providing school supplies to supporting school enrollment and attendance,
communicating with teachers, and participating in school activities.
It also emphasized the importance of creating a safe home environment and practicing positive parenting through open communication with children.
(Left) A father participating in the Roots and Fruits activity (Right) The completed Roots and Fruits tree
Through the Roots and Fruits activity, fathers wrote their hopes and aspirations
for their children on apple-shaped cards and took time to reflect on their role as fathers.
(Left) A father giving a presentation (Right) Fathers participating in the education session
The second session focused on the role fathers play from pregnancy through childbirth and early childhood.
As the Mangyan community continues to preserve its indigenous traditions,
the session emphasized ways to support safe maternal and child health while respecting these cultural practices.
Fathers learned practical ways to support pregnant women, including discussing family planning,
identifying health facilities and available services before childbirth, and preparing essential supplies and transportation for emergencies.
The session also encouraged fathers to accompany their partners to antenatal care visits, support mother‘s nutrition and emotional well-being,
and promote facility-based delivery for safer childbirth.
In the final session, fathers were introduced to the maternal and child health services provided through the project to promote the rights of the Mangyan community.
The goal was not only to raise awareness of these services,
but also to ensure that fathers understood the available support so they could help pregnant women in their families access timely healthcare.
The session introduced key services, including antenatal care, emergency transportation support, the Halfway House (Maternity Waiting Home),
and referral services for facility-based delivery. Fathers also learned how these services can make it easier to access healthcare,
even for families living far from health facilities.
In addition, participants learned about the importance of regular antenatal check-ups.
A father participating in the education session
Through the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting their children‘s rights to health and education.
They also developed a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and roles as fathers.
A father participating in the education session
More importantly, by learning about the maternal and child health services and public services available through the project,
fathers were better equipped to make informed decisions and take a more active and responsible role in supporting their families.
A father giving a presentation
A total of 61 fathers participated in the education session, exceeding the initial target number of participants.
By considering the socio-cultural characteristics of the Mangyan community and incorporating visual materials and various interactive activities,
the session encouraged active participation from fathers.
One father shared that he would become more involved in his children‘s education, pay greater attention to their health,
and serve as a positive example for other fathers in the community.
A group photo after the education session
This session went beyond simply sharing knowledge; it provided a meaningful opportunity for Mangyan fathers to reflect on their roles
within their families and reaffirm their commitment.
Heart-Heart Foundation will continue to work alongside the Mangyan community, providing various programs to support fathers in becoming reliable partners
who protect the health and rights of their families.
We kindly ask for your continued interest and support for our journey.
Thank you.
Heart-Heart Foundation Philippines is implementing the “Mangyan Rights Promotion Project through Strengthened Maternal and Child Health Services in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines (2024–2026)”
as part of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Civil Society Cooperation Program.
