Newly launched organisation to advocate for playful positive parenting
To honour Parenting Month, a pioneering initiative has taken flight with the launch of Masayang Pamilya Organisation, Inc. (MaPa org Inc.). The GPI’s study on parenting in the social welfare system in the Philippines was laid a cornerstone of this development. The online launch was held on June 28 and was attended by 44 partners, friends, and colleagues locally and globally.
With a mission to empower parents and caregivers to strengthen positive relationships with children through evidence-based, collaborative, and creative methods, the launch marks a significant milestone in advocating for playful positive parenting practices in the Philippines.
The event's highlight was the premiere of the Masayang Pamilya explainer video, which narrated the development, adaptation, and testing of the parenting support programme. It also captured the voices and testimonies of MaPa families, whose parenting skills and family relationships improved after attending the MaPa programmes.
Dr. Liane Peña Alampay, MaPa Org Inc.’s chair, emphasised, “MaPa is a good investment for communities and local government partners who need to support parents in their community. MaPa is a good approach. We have data and evidence showing that it is helpful to families.”
The video underscored the programme's effectiveness and adaptability to different contexts and delivery methods. Ms. Jennel C. Reyes, Executive Director of MaPa Org Inc., expressed their aim for the MaPa programme to become a common household name among Filipino families, known as “Tatak MaPa” or the “MaPa brand.”
The video also introduced MaPa organisation Inc. and its hopes for the future. “With the establishment of the Masayang Pamilya (MaPa) Organisation Inc., we can collaborate with more groups who need access to an evidence-based parenting program. We can reach more Filipino families in various contexts, providing Masayang Pamilya to every Filipino child. We also hope to be a hub for parenting intervention programs and other organisations with the same advocacy of evidence-based intervention to jointly create a safe and happy environment for Filipino children,” Ms. Reyes mentioned. This aligns with the organisation's mission to become a trusted partner in pioneering and developing evidence-based support for positive parenting – reaching every context where a child exists.
MaPa org Inc. expressed their gratitude for the support received from both longtime and new partner institutions who expressed their excitement and support for the establishment of the parenting organisation. These individuals and organisations include Peter Burr of the Global Parenting Initiative, Joyce Niwane of Makati Social Welfare and Development Division, Dr. Yella Castillo of Consuelo Alger Foundation, Sabine Rokatomalala of the World Health Organisation, Vice President for Higher Education Maria Luz Vilches of Ateneo de Manila University, and Terence Ang of Joy Nostalg Foundation.
