CEBU CITY, Cebu, July 20 (PIA) -- The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) has strengthened the implementation of Kalalakin-an nga Tinud-anay sa ilang Responsibilidad og Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) in the local government units (LGUs).

During a Kapihan sa PIA, KATROPA Focal Person Roberto Yana said the KATROPA was launched under the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program (RPFP) "because it was seen that men play a vital role in the community especially in the family." 

“Family is basic in the community. It has a crucial role in social development. If the family is good, it builds a strong foundation within the community,” explained Yana.

He said they are trying to organize KATROPA in every barangay in Central Visayas.

They are eyeing to train the barangay officials to capacitate them to provide and disseminate the right information about the said program. 

KATROPA is open to all men aged 15 years old and above, single or married, with the aim of informing them on the responsibilities of men in raising their family and how they could help the community.

This is also a way to increase the involvement of men in responsible parenthood and family planning.

POPCOM-7 Information Officer II Malou Garillos said that out of 136 LGUs in Central Visayas, there are 106 LGUs that have population officers, but still only a few are focusing on KATROPA in the province of Cebu.

Garillos shared that Danao City has organized a Federation of KATROPA with members who are drug reformists, those who were displaced during the closure of the gun industry in the city, Overseas Filipino Workers affected by the pandemic, and the “habal-habal” drivers. 

POPCOM officials are urging the LGUs to organize KATROPA in order for the men to be empowered to a new perspective on their role, responsibilities and accountabilities that take place between generations. (HFG/PIA7)