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DILG to fete top ROs for GAD initiatives

June 1, 2023 Joel dela Torre 201 views

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to recognize outstanding institutional gender mainstreaming initiatives of its regional offices (ROs) nationwide through the maiden offering of the Gender and Development (GAD) Seal Certification Program this year.

According to Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., the DILG is committed towards raising the bar in the promotion of GAD-related initiatives in the government sector.

Implemented this year, the program serves as an incentive and recognition program through an in-depth assessment of the current gender mainstreaming mechanisms of the offices within the department.

“Of course, we would want it to start from us. Itong GAD Seal Certification Program is our contribution towards that goal and a tangible proof of the recipients’ efforts to champion GAD initiatives,” Abalos said.

He added; “Bilang Kagawaran na nagsusulong ng good local governance, kinikilala natin ang kahalagahan ng GAD upang makamit ang tunay na pag-unlad. By promoting GAD, we are championing a gender-responsive, inclusive, and sustainable development for all.”

GAD Seal Certification Program will have three components, namely, Assessment Criteria and Documentary Requirement, the Scoring System, and the Certification Procedure itself.

Abalos said the pilot year of the GAD seal certification program will focus on DILG regional offices in 2023, excluding the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Subsequently, he added, the program will extend to DILG provincial offices and local government units from 2024 onwards.

The DILG’s regional offices will be assessed based on its utilization of at least five percent of the Agency’s/Institution’s total budget for GAD and the institutionalization and functionality of the GFPS.

ROs that acquire a score of 15-19 points shall receive the GAD Seal Certification.

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