Fathers key to raising future-ready families

MANILA, Philippines — The role of fathers has evolved beyond being providers to becoming active partners in building healthy, resilient and future-ready families, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said yesterday, ahead of Father’s Day.

The CPD noted fathers play an important role in promoting responsible parenthood and family planning.

“Family planning enables couples to achieve their desired family size, properly space pregnancies and make informed choices that support the health of mothers and children. Through shared decision-making, fathers can help ensure that families are better prepared to invest in the nutrition, education and development of their children,” the commission said.

The CPD pointed out that more men are taking a proactive role in reproductive health decisions.

“This means working together with one’s partner to make informed decisions that promote the health and well-being of the entire family,” CPD executive director Lisa Grace Bersales said.

Citing data from the Department of Health-Field Health Services Information System, CPD said that new acceptors of No-Scalpel Vasectomy increased by 52.84 percent, from 458 in 2023 to 700 in 2024.

Meanwhile, new acceptors of condoms grew by 9.61 percent – from 2023’s 62,711 to 68,739 in 2024.

“These figures suggest that more fathers are recognizing that building a strong family is not only about earning a living, but also about sharing responsibility for its future,” Bersales stressed.

At the same time, she said fatherhood today encompasses many roles.

“Fathers are not only providers but also caregivers, mentors, role models and partners in making decisions that shape the future of their families. This Father’s Day, we celebrate Filipino fathers who continue to embrace these responsibilities with dedication

and love,” the CPD chief said.

She added, “When fathers actively participate in decisions concerning their family’s health, welfare and future, they help create a stronger foundation for their children and contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.”