Ama na Magaling Mag-aruga sa Anak (AMMA) : Fathers Empowering Eachother in Parenting their Children

By: Jaymee Q. Leonen

In Brgy. Camachiles, Pampanga, fathers with OFW spouses gather together in their Barangay Hall every Sunday as they build a community of support for one another. Last September 7, 2014, the Part 2 of the Ama na Magaling Mag-arug sa Anak (AMMA) Sessions officially began. This project is a series of workshops on Parenting and Basic Counselling Skills tailored to address the needs of the fathers who are faced with the responsibilities of playing the dual role of “Nay-Tay” (mother and father) because their wives are away in other countries, trying to to provide their financial needs. It should also be noted that this second run was specifically requested by the fathers who were recipients of a similar program last year.

At the end of the AMMA Sessions held in Mabalacat City, Pampanga last year, the recipient fathers requested for assistance in creating a formalized support group for fellow fathers. The local government of Pampanga and Clack International Airport Corporation (CIAC) had been very supportive of this endeavour.

The AMMA Sessions Part 2 is part of the results of this request. MLAC Psychosocial Services, in partnership with the LGU and CIAC, sends faciliators to Brgy. Camachiles, Pampanga, to provide both training for both the AMMA Core Group, or those who were original recipients of the project, plus the new fathers who are now joining the sessions for the first time. The goal of the project is to eventually empower the fathers to be self-sufficient leaders and available supporters for other fathers in similar circumstances.

The project is continuously ongoing. We are thankful to our partners for their continued support, but we are most thankful for the fathers who continue to inspire us with their dedication to their families and also to their community.