The Iloilo Provincial Government has formalized its partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today for the continued implementation of the Juana Awards, a flagship initiative recognizing local government units (LGUs) for excellence in mainstreaming gender and development (GAD) programs.
Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. and DILG-Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Carmelo F. Orbista signed the MOA, witnessed by key officials including Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias and members of the Iloilo Provincial Gender and Development – Technical Working Group (PGAD-TWG).
Under the MOA, DILG Iloilo Province is tasked with developing evaluation criteria, monitoring tools, and providing technical assistance to LGUs to help them align their programs with national GAD policies. The DILG will also lead in validating and assessing the performance of participating LGUs.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo Provincial Government, through the PGAD-TWG, will support the implementation of the awards by providing financial incentives, sponsoring program activities, and integrating GAD into broader local development planning across the province.
The Juana Awards, initiated in 2023 by DILG Iloilo Province through the Iloilo Provincial Local Governance Resource Center (IPLGRC), aims to elevate local compliance to national GAD mandates such as the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and relevant Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMC 2013-01 and 2016-01) of the PCW-DILG-NEDA-DBM.
In its second year, the Juana Awards further expanded its scope to include LGU compliance with emerging GAD-related laws and innovations in gender-responsive governance.
Early this month, the PGAD-TWG turned over a check worth P300,000 to the municipality of Alimodian for being the champion of the 2024 Juana Awards.
By partnering with DILG in this initiative, the Iloilo Provincial Government reinforces its commitment to inclusive development and empowering women at the grassroots level.
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