THE hosts of CIA with BA reflected on the concerns of struggling dads on the Father’s Day episode of the public service program.
A dad sought help and advice regarding his children who are experiencing bullying in their school because of their albinism — a rare genetic condition that causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, and is sometimes accompanied by visual impairment.
“I learned that fathers want to defend you, provide for you, and fight for you, but in this world, you can’t control everything,” said Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. “So you know, what truly matters is for the child to see the love of the father. Rest assured, fathers, they know that you’re doing everything you can.”
“Sometimes fathers may think, ‘I can’t give this, I can’t do that… what now?’ But no, your efforts are seen by your children, and that speaks much more than just saying ‘I love you’ to them,” he added.
“To all fathers who are struggling, to all fathers who think they’re powerless, keep fighting! And your children appreciate you,” Alan stressed.
Agreeing with her brother, Senator Pia Cayetano recalled how their father, the late Senator Rene Cayetano, expressed his love for them when they were kids.
“One thing I noticed about our father is that he loved to write. In a way, during their time, it wasn’t common to simply say ‘I love you, anak’ (child)… But what our father did was he would write to us on every occasion, he had love letters for us,” she shared.
“Whether it’s short or long, all of us have kept something like that hidden. That’s also my tip to fathers, maybe you can say [your thoughts] in a short note. Find a way to express your love,” she added.
Boy Abunda also shared what his father, who was a bus conductor for a long time, always told him.
“He always said, ‘If you dream, show up.’ If you dream, make it happen,” said the award-winning TV host.
CIA with BA continues the legacy of Alan and Pia’s late father. The senior Cayetano was a lawyer who hosted ‘Compañero y Compañera,’ which aired from 1997 to 2001.
CIA with BA expresses its gratitude to viewers as it continuously garners high ratings. Catch the program every Sunday at 11:30 p.m. on GMA.