With women’s migration, earlier studies suggest that fathers do not necessarily become
mothers, meaning the care giving role is usually performed by other female members
of the family. More qualitative studies, especially those involving men as respondents,
suggest more participation of left behind fathers in child care and domestic duties as well
as experiences of having to juggle domestic duties and paid work (Asis, et al., 2004; Pingol,
2001). In her pioneering work on Filipino masculinity based on a study of husbands of
women migrant workers in Ilocos, Pingol (2001) notes a rethinking and refashioning of
manhood from being a provider to that of “being in control”—this refers to self-control,
having a job, discipline, enduring difficulties, or being feared by others because of physical
strength.