For many fathers, the most meaningful parts of parenthood are not found in grand gestures, but in everyday routines—school events, shared meals, and moments carved out between work and family responsibilities. This Father’s Day, that sentiment is reflected in how fatherhood takes shape through the small, consistent acts of presence.

It is a reality that resonates with Atty. Ian Dato, who balances the demands of public service with his role as a husband and father. Recently appointed as Department of Justice Undersecretary, Dato manages long hours and responsibilities that often extend beyond the typical workday. Yet at the center of his routine is his family—his wife, Giorgia Guidicelli, and their two daughters, Gianna and Vi, whom they welcomed in 2020.

At home, the family is celebrating milestones of their own. Five-year-old Gianna recently graduated from preschool and has taken an interest in both dance at Skydance Avenue Manila and tennis, a sport shared by her parents. Meanwhile, three-year-old Vi recently completed nursery and is developing a love for music. For Dato, these moments serve as a reminder of how quickly childhood unfolds.

“The weekends are really sacred for family,” he said. “The nature of legal work means you still receive calls and messages even outside office hours. When I joined the DOJ, I knew public service would require long days. But when we had children in 2020, I made Saturdays and Sundays non-negotiable family time.”

Despite the unpredictability of government work, Dato makes a conscious effort to structure his schedule around family life. His goal is not to separate work from home entirely, but to ensure both are given their due attention.

“It’s not a perfect balance because work still takes up most of the week, but I make it a point to be home by six every evening,” he shared. “Our daughters have their evening routine—showering, dinner, and bedtime. Being present for those everyday moments matters to me.”

Together with his wife, Dato remains actively involved in their daughters’ education, serving as parent coordinators. At home, they are intentional about limiting screen time to encourage more meaningful interaction.

“One thing we’ve been very intentional about is limiting screen time. Our daughters don’t have their own tablets. They only watch during meals, and that’s about it,” he said. “If you spend time with them, their attention span is normal. You can talk to them, they can complete a task with full attention. That’s something I’m very proud of.”

Father’s Day may come once a year, but for many fathers like Dato, its meaning is lived daily—in routines, responsibilities, and the effort to remain present despite competing demands. His experience reflects a broader reality shared by many working parents navigating similar balances across professions.

As he puts it, “Everything else falls into place because you’re a father.”